Outlet shoot out

I installed PS Audio Power Port in the wall (hubbell 8300)and got PS Audio Ultimate Outlet (high current) version which sets on the floor for my amp , got much more open/3D sound for my efforts. Hard to isolate what difference the the PS Audio wall outlet made, but you really notice the much tighter grip it has on plugs inserted in this unit. Also when installing wires to Power Port I cleaned the oxidation and used Kontak before re-connecting.

In the literature PS Audio makes a big deal about the 15 coats of polished nickel plating and claims this is much better than standard brass contacts. I am sure if I took the time to try other wall outlet brands subtle tonal differences would show themselves, there was even a thread here recently where author claimed he could hear difference between plastic, brass, or no cover plate on AC outlet.

If i remember correctly, i think that Mr Crump has commented that nickel plating typically tends to sound bright. This could lead to one hearing an increase in "open-ness".

Quite honestly, i've not played around with outlets. As skeptical as i was about power cords ( REALLY skeptical but i've found out otherwise since ), i am even more doubtful about outlets. I can see better contact in terms of "gripping power" and increased surface area coming into play, but the rest of it sounds like a lot of "hoopla" to me at this point in time. There are plenty of those that post here that have stated otherwise though and i DO respect their opinions. As s uch, i've put this on my list of "things to do". It is not near the top of that list though, as i've got other more important ( at least to me ) priorities to take care of : )

I do appreciate all of the info presented here as it will help me to make a decision based on general consensus. Sean
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Sean: Yes, it is Bob Crump who has stated that nickel is "bright", and while I respect Bob very much and appreciate much of the advice he has given me over at Audioasylum, I can only state that, with respect to the receptacles I've used, the nickel plated ones (Arrow Hart and Hubbell) were considerably smoother, less congested, and less bright (and at the same time, more open and natural sounding) than the receptacles with brass contacts, particularly the Pass and Seymors that Bob likes. In my opinion, they are a horror story compared to the Hubbell 8200/8300. Perhaps Craig is able to comment on this too, as he has the silver plated Acme, based on the P&S that Bob likes. I would guess that the Acme shares the basic character of the Pass and Seymor it is based on, and in my system that was fairly congested in the midband, quite forward and very bright (and yes, they were fully broken in). This is initially very "exciting" but when compared with the Hubbell 8200/8300 or even the Arrow Hart 8200, it is very quickly quite apparent that there is lots and lots of distortion. The Arrow Hart has a more open midband than the Pass and Seymor, but when compared to the Hubbells, even it suffers by comparison, and that is a nickel to nickel comparison. What I'm saying is that the so-called brightness of the nickel (I don't actually believe this) is in no way translating into the "open-ness" of what I hear in the Hubbells-to my ear they are anything but bright-sounds emerge from a blacker and quieter background in what I would describe as a more "mid-hall" kind of presentation. Yes, they are more open, but this is not based on "brightness". There is clearly less distortion than with the Pass & Seymor or Arrow Hart. I may be able to comment further on this in month or two as I may actually have a chance to compare the Hubbell 5362 (brass contacts) to the 8300, but for now I can't accept Bob's generalization about nickel being "brighter" in terms of power applications with receptacles.

Well Sean I am glad I am not the only one, whom seems skeptical and confused about this issue. Though it is something worth trying, no time better then the present-though I want to gather a few others opinions before I make any life altering choices ;)

Hdm, thanks for the response and personal findings. Like you, i respect Bob and most of the others that are willing to share their personal findings and thoughts. Also like you, my personal experiences sometimes contradict those of others. That is, within the confines of my systems and personal tastes. As such, i might not always agree with someone's point of view but that does not make their opinion any less valid.

As such, that is why it is SO great to have these forums. I am really greatful to the multitude of folks that are willing to step up to the plate and compare notes / share their thoughts with us. That is what makes this a worthwhile place to frequent.

Like Tim and i ( and probably a WHOLE lot of others ) are doing, we are "researching" BEFORE shelling out any money or even going out to audition. It at least gives us a better idea of what to look / listen for and see what is out there.

Based on the general statements above, it looks like the Hubbell's look like a solid starting point. I'm still curious as to see what the thoughts / opinions of the Purist modified Leviton's is like though. Given Purist's reputation, i would think that they would not chance using / recommending a product that was of an inferior design to start with. Sean
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PS... Do the Hubbell's have an isolated ground ?