PS Audio Power Port vs. Hubbell/Leviton


Has anyone compared the PS Audio Power Port outlet to the upgraded outlets available at Home Depot from Leviton, etc.? I looked yesterday, and the Depot had commercial and industrial (although not hospital grade) outlets, and although the outlets looked a little more durable, the electrical contacts didn't appear much different than standard. Obviously, the Power Port is a lot more $$$, but I'm wondering if it isn't understandable for nickel plating on the contacts.

Also I've seen some references on these threads to cryo treatment...could someone elaborate?
rsuminsby
Routlaw, If you worked for Hubbell, you should be able to access the same data on their web site as the rest of us. Specifications on Commercial grade, 20 amp outlets, versus Hospital grade, 20 amp outlets are listed as follows:

Insulator for Commercial Grade = Nylon
Insulator for Hospital Grade =Thermo Polyester

Material for ground strap, Commercial Grade = Steel
Material for ground strap, Hospital Grade = Brass

Material for voltage contact, Commercial = Alloy Brass
Material for voltage contact, Hospital = Pure Brass

Material for mount strap, Commercial Grade = Steel
Material for mount strap, Hospital Grade +Brass, Ni plate.

The materials used in manufacturing Hubbell hospital grade products are higher quality, and should not surprise anyone that they sound better. Just compare the insulators and conductors, not even considering the plating and grounding specs.

Tireguy, for what it is worth, the Hubbell is better than the Leviton. Why don't you gamble $15.00 for a single piece and do the test yourself.

What you save on tire balancing alone could equip your entire system :^ )
I've got EIGHT Legacy AWD Wagons you guys can use to drive to HD in the snow to inspect the differences among AC connectors! Come and get' em!

Seriously, whereas the Leviton hosp grade is considered flawed, they make a GREAT Pro-grade PLUG for $10 that I prefer to the Hubbell. For outlets the P&S as modded by ACME is great. Wish somebody would make a cheap IEC that's sturdier than the Schurter....
Ernie, the best IEC's that we've found came on a YBA Diamond power cord. I've never been able to find out who made them for YBA though. Much more contact area and sturdier overall. I forgot about this as i was checking into it, but i've got SO many projects going on, some things fall by the wayside until i get back around to them.

By the way, i did not forget about you and our conversation about the sniffer / power cords / PLC's. I haven't been able to make much progress on that one yet, but as soon as i do, i'll let you know. Sorry for not getting back to you. Sean
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Stay away from Leviton HG...they somehow deteriorate sonically over time. I was left for 6 months trying to find the source of an upper-mid resonance. Who would have thought it was an outlet...but it was.

Anyhow, I converted my 3 outlets to FIM and they are very, very good. No power conditioning needed. Very smooth (analog) and dynamic sound for my SS system. I spoke with Galen and while he hasn't done direct comparisons with the other brands, he does claim he hears more positive remarks from those customers using FIM. Bias? Not sure. They do sound good here.

-- Greg
I just ordered a FIM from Galen. It is $55, not $60 as I said before. One of those tweak impulse buys.