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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
christianb5s4
237 posts
 

I had three dedicated 20amp circuits run to my living room when I needed to upgrade the main panel. It was a substantial improvement over the two regular circuits previously, quieter noise floor, better dynamics, more cohesive sound.

 

I didn't go crazy, quality outlets, copper 12ga wire, good Breakers, and quality grounding. It made a bigger difference than some component upgrades.

lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
4,648 posts
 

@dmac67 what gauge wire is run from your circuit breaker to your outlet?

erik_squires
16,138 posts
 

I doubt changing the amp rating of the outlet, but keeping all other things the same (brand, line,, etc) would matter by itself.

There’s two things I immediately think about:

  • All 15A outlets in the US are rated to be on 20A circuits. To do that they have to have the internal conductors as thick as a 20A socket.
  • Some manufacturers improve economy of scale by making the 15A and 20A outlets identical behind the faceplate. Same conductors, wipers and plastics.

If you aren’t going to re-use that 15A outlet may be fun to take a hand grinder/multitool (i.e. Dremel) to the face and remove it to see if it doesn’t have the T shaped wipers of the 20A units.

The reason for the multi-rating is areas like a kitchen, where you may have multiple appliances going. They may each be under 15A, but by using a 20A circuit you can minimize breaker tripping.

The 20A plugs are usually reserved for commercial settings and 1-2 outlet circuits where the electrician wants to indicate "this is where you can plug in the hotel vacuum. "

macg19 OP
940 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
16,138 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"

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