Audiophile AC Outlets

I took the inexpensive route and went with a Leviton 5262-W duplex outlet, which is a copy of the more expensive Hubbell 5262-W outlet. FWIW, the Shunyata SR-Z1 is a Hubbell outlet that's been cryoed.

No change in sound with the upgraded outlet, but it really does grip the plug. When you consider all the cheap connections and circuit breakers in the service entrance (panel), it's hard to justify spending a lot of money on wall outlets.

High end outlets are a worthy improvement. I have Oyaide, and Synergistic Blue, and they are both a big improvement over standard code outlets. Hospital grade is a joke, don't bother. Will merely grip better, that is all.  

It seems to me however that outlets are not worth the money until after you've already made improvements to power cords and power conditioner. That is because the expense of just one outlet is a pretty decent percentage of the cost of a conditioner or power cord. The conditioner handles several components. The outlet only two. So usually it would be conditioner first, then the outlet everything plugs into. Unless of course the wall outlet is total loose crap, in which case its probably worth the money just to not have to keep pushing it back in all the time. 

But this business of what to do and in what order is really small potatoes. Bottom line, yes, a good high end outlet is a worthy of doing.

Leviton 5262-W duplex outlet<$8.00.  Made in China. 

Here are some that are on the market:

Pangea Audio Premier AC Outlet - $29.00
PS Audio Power Port Classic AC Receptacle - $49.00
Cardas Duplex Power Outlet - $135.00
Wattgate 381 AU TR Audio Grade Receptacle - $148.00
AudioQuest NRG Edison 20 - $179.00
Furutech GTX-D (G) Duplex Copper Receptacle - $215.00
Furutech GTX-D NCF(R) AC Receptacle - $270.00

I have the Shunyata AC outlets, connected to a dedicated 20 amp line, feeding PS Audio PowerPlants with either AQ Tornado or Shunyata Delta NR power cables. I am happy with that.