2. misc-audio
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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
steakster
1,914 posts
 
@carlsbad2

You mistake the difference between electrical safety and audiophile sound.

No mistake.

I’ve been working with heavy load electricity on a regular basis since 1977, the first time I tied into a 400 amp commercial panel. I’ve got 20 years of first-hand experience with audiophile grade AC cables - and 10 years of experience with audiophile grade AC connectors. There’s no confusion here.

. . . but they won’t get hot . . .

Apparently, you weren’t at my home last year when an outlet failed. I smelled something burning. The outlet was quite hot when I touched it.

Pulling out your physicist card doesn’t impress me.

erik_squires
16,315 posts
 

Back wires are good, back stabbing is bad.

Back wires use two plates held together by a screw. Back stabbing use spring loaded prongs pushed through the plastic case and IMHO should not ever be used.

Back wires are really good for daisy chained connections. They avoid the little clippable jumper between screws.


I put pictures up on a blog post on a related subject here:

 

https://speakermakersjourney.blogspot.com/2022/01/audiophile-ac-outlets-for-frugal.html

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,763 posts
 

@steakster I'm sure I could never impress someone who already knows it all.

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