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Is it possible a 20 amp outlet can make a big difference in SQ?

This is a somewhat rhetorical question, but I'm interested if anyone has a similar experience, or can explain why...

I have one duplex outlet to power everything. I assumed it was 15 amp so a few months ago I replaced the outlet with a hospital grade 15 amp outlet. (fwiw there are 4 wires, 2 white 2 black). My tube amp is plugged directly into the wall.

On Friday the air-con went out so I had a reason to check the fuse box - and realized that the circuit powering my AV is 20 amp.

So I replaced the outlet with the same brand and grade but 20 amp. 

I was surprised that there was a significant change in SQ - I'd say dynamics are faster, more detailed, more powerful. 

If I'd spent $500 or more I'd factor in the mental bias but I spent $20 and expected nothing.

Am I imagining this?

Any thoughts? 

macg19
macg19 OP
945 posts
 

@lak Note you tagged a different AG member...anyway, I don't know what gauge the wiring is. I can only assume the house is wired to code - the majority of the breakers are 20 amp. 

@erik_squires this was my understanding but I thought the 20 amp outlet may allow a bit more current. Maybe, maybe not.

Not going to tear the 15 amp apart - at this point I'm happy that the new outlet is properly installed maybe the old one was not - and after a lot more listening, for sure there is major improvement in SQ.  

erik_squires
16,244 posts
 

OP:

Also depends on the original installation and age. If you cleaned the terminals with fine grit sand paper before re-installation and tightened everything properly it is possible the better sound comes from elbow-grease rather than hardware.

By the way, I found the Leviton 90 degree, hospital grade plugs to be really tight, and the 90 degree feature super convenient for saving space around the sockets:

 

https://amzn.to/3XUV7e6

My outlets are in the corner behind my bass traps so this type of plug saved me several inches of floor space.

 

Best,

Erik "cryo"

lak's avatar
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lak
4,665 posts
 

macg19,

Sorry I meant to tag you. 
I wanted to be certain that the gauge wire in your rented home is correct for 20 amp circuit breakers.

erik_squires
16,244 posts
 

Found a video showing what I meant about 15 and 20A outlets sometimes being identical:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jUa_HbUeoE

macg19 OP
945 posts
 

@lak no worries and thank you!

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