hospital grade or commercial grade receptacles ?

So, you mean to say you think your statement is correct?

If they were real changes in the electrical signals going to the speakers, they could be measured, and they would have a technically identified cause.

And if your answer is yes, how do you explain the fact that a half dozen NOS tubes that measure identical (electrically), sound completely different?

It appears you are saying, if it can't be measured it cannot be audible. I think you know better than that.

As for Irvrobinson, he may be like some that have already passed this way and are now gone, those that came to Audiogon to argue without any concept of the importance of every part in a high end system.

Now there's scientific observation and conclusion at its finest:

I have new outlets.
I tried different power cords and didn't hear a difference.
Therefore, different outlets can't make a difference.

Albertporter, I'm not sure how to respond... I think I have a concept of the importance of every part of a high-end system. I just have a different perspective than you do.

I have to admit, though, I have been out of touch with a certain segment of the high-end community. This segment includes people that think power cords have to be broken-in, and even believe that the wall outlet makes a difference. I won't put too fine a point on it. I think people with these beliefs are misguided, and I think they give audiophiles a bad name. And, no, I don't think it's my mission to police the audiophile world, I'm just having fun in a discussion about the undiscussable.

Albertporter...Measuring tube characteristics is not the same thing as measuring the audio signal applied to a speaker. Note that I talked only about the electrical signal applied to the speaker. Parameters that are defined and measured for tubes (and other components also) are intended to identify faulty items, or to monitor production quality, not to cover every characteristic that might affect sonic quality in some relatively small way. The speaker can only respond to the applied electrical signal. If the sound changes it must be the result of a change in the electrical signal. Do you agree that if the electrical signal is identical, the sound is identical?

Your opinions are as valid as the next but they are misguided.

I grow tired of people with scientific background that think that all things audio can be explained with graphs and numbers. I am an artist by trade and only care about getting the music right.

The advantage I have is an open mind and I am not afraid to experiment. I am also not ashamed when my opinions prove wrong. All that matters is getting my system closer to the original event.

Some equipment that is supposed to be superior (and may even have better numbers), prove not to be in the real world. Some things that should not be important, matter a great deal.

Reminds me of my days in automobile racing where someone shows up with a machine with all "the right parts" and gets his clock cleaned by some kid with a home built and tweaked engine.

If you cannot hear power cords or outlets, your system is simply not up to the task.

Should travel bring you to the Dallas, Ft. Worth area I can show you clearly with a single demo on my amplifiers. One pair of power cords from Dominus to stock and it will be clear for you. It's simply not up for discussion in my system.

I suppose you can take some joy in not having to spend the money.