UPDATE: A few days ago, I replaced the two Shunyata Research SR-Z1 outlets on the dedicated lines feeding my system with the Synergistic Research Black UEF duplex AC receptacles. Bottom line, I spent $500 and, in the process, got new speakers in return. Or a new amp. Or a new DAC. Yes, what I am saying is that at more than 72 hours in, the Black UEF duplex outlets are delivering at least a component level upgrade to the sound of my system.
The path to glory during the break-in process has been quite uneven as those of you experienced with the SR Black fuses will understand. As with the fuses, the outlets do sonically morph significantly over time, while giving glimpses of their final sound along the way.
At just 24 hours in, things locked in to such a degree that I actually got goosebumps and an involuntary grin while listening to a reference track that I have heard dozens, if not a hundred times before. From there, things took several steps backward, with the sound becoming somewhat disjointed, fore-shortened, forward and a bit harsh. One characteristic that has been consistent throughout is that the sound has been very open on top, much more like the real thing, particularly on voices, piano and percussion. I never thought of the SR-Z1s as being dark per se, but the Black outlets are in a different league.
Let me also say that given the topics covered, this thread has been remarkably positive and troll free, encouraging me to share my experiences rather than simply gawking at the sh*t shows that many forums devolve into.
I have never considered cables, vibration damping or AC power delivery to be in the realm of tweaks. In my more than 45 years experience in this hobby I have come to believe that everything matters, and that what is wrong upstream can never be "fixed" downstream, say, with upgraded speakers. It follows then, at least to me, that you can't get any more upstream than the AC supply.
