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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
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"

lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
4,648 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
16,138 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
940 posts
 

@lak no worries and thank you!

macg19 OP
940 posts
 

@erik_squires thanks for all the tips

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