Outlets

The Teslaplex does take a few days to brake in. At least 3. It sounds closed in at first and then opens up beautifully. It does not sound its best right out of the box.

If you have some sort of surge protection between the outlet and the component, does that mean that the quality of the outlet is less important? I live in a heavy thunder storm area (lots of big booms). I'm getting some sort of whole-house surge protection, which will be before the outlet, but I'm still wondering whether these posts assume that the component is connected directly to the outlet, without any intervening surge protection.

You will not be completely protected against surges and distant lightning strikes with just a whole house protector. You will also need something in front of your electronics, or unplug them every time there is a threat. Unless you are able to claim them under insurance, you will have to buy a surge protector for the electronics. There is controversy about the effect on the sound. I figure I would rather have some effect of the sound than dead electronics. I am not always home when the storms come. How much effect depends on the surge unit you buy. There will be lots of opinions on this topic. The type of outlet you use will be a part of the continuum from electricity entering your house, to the sound coming out of your speakers. I doubt it will be the deciding factor, but that's just my skepticism.

What is the general opinion here on the Shunyata SR-z1 outlets?

I am pretty much decided on going with either those or Porter Ports.

Have not had good experiences with Oyaide or PS Audio stuff.

I've also gone through the PS Audio and Oyaide stuff. All added colorations that took away from the naturalness of the music. I've not heard the Shunyata, but the Porterport Hubbells let the music flow as naturally as possible. Bettering them for neutrality you'd have to hard-wire your power cords directly to the wall conductors from your breaker box and your home insurance wouldn't cover that route if you had an electrical fire.