Audiophile Wall Outlets

SteveFord · « **on:** 8 Aug 2010, 07:53 pm »

These reviews are great:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=110-439&vReviewShow=1#reviews

Wayner · « **Reply #1 on:** 8 Aug 2010, 08:09 pm »

The first 4 (all I read) summed it up quiet well, exposing what a fraud product it really is. If you need to throw away $100, this is the product for you. Get several so your friends will think your on to something (or on something).

Wayner

underdog64 · « **Reply #2 on:** 8 Aug 2010, 08:13 pm »

Sounds like somebody on that website needs a life!

underdog64 · « **Reply #3 on:** 8 Aug 2010, 08:20 pm »

Yeah,I used to think hi end outlets are a scam then I went from an Oyaide Gold to a later generation R-1.My universal player was out for repair so I was only able to see what it did for my video.Picture sharpness immediately increased about 25%-no joke! And this on top of grounded dedicated line,PS Audio Power Plant Premier etc.Uses Berylium copper for plating but don't think that's why it's so good-just built so much more solidly than previous Oyaide (better resonance control).

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #4 on:** 8 Aug 2010, 08:29 pm »

The reviews are a little over the top, for sure...but the effect of changing out the contractor grade outlet to a $10 IG-8300 one at Lowes is a surprisingly beneficial swap

The difference has been repeated in 3 houses now.

The jump to the next step (a $49 PS Audio outlet or $36 Porter Port) was murkier in benefit. As I got not much further in benefit, I won't be trying any $147 one.

But, the step from $0.49 contractor special to $10.00 hospital grade is an essential part of my system now. The system loses a little stridency when you toss the contractor grade ones that your house came with.

Of course if you have some MOV's, most active power filtration or even Brickwall-type power filter (all tried here), you may never hear the benefits of a simple outlet swap to the Lowes $10.00 IG-8300 as your system is plagued with ugly sound downstream from the above.

For audiophools, it's MOV's, most or all active power filtration and Brickwall-type power filters that should be avoided at ALL costs

John

srb · « **Reply #5 on:** 8 Aug 2010, 08:42 pm »

If a standard outlet sells for $3, this outlet is likely worth more. I don't know exactly how much improvement it would give to your audio system, but if it has triple wipe contacts and gold over nickel over copper plating, the improved metallurgy and mechanics can make a difference.

Not $148, but maybe $20? I only read the first three reviews, but maybe if I had read further, I might have found that the electricity cost to run your components would be lower with this outlet!

I was at a Home Depot recently, and a woman was asking the electrical guy if she should get the 110V or 220V replacement motor for her evaporative cooler. He told her to get the 220V motor because it would only draw half the current and therefore would only cost half as much to run as the 110V model! Aaaargh! Brought to you by your local HD Electrical Guru.

Steve

Phil A · « **Reply #6 on:** 8 Aug 2010, 08:45 pm »

I've tried more expensive ones, but not up to that price range. My local electrical supply house had nice Pass & Seymour ones for under $7 and Home Depot's $3 ones were not bad either. I personally wouldn't buy it. The contractor grade $0.35 ones do suck though. I've even splurged for non-audio receptacles which I use more often (i.e. Vacuuming) and gotten the $3 ones. What's worse is those builder's grade switches. I replaced every one in each of my bathrooms. Even the bathrooms that don't see tons of use those things can literally fall apart.

underdog64 · « **Reply #7 on:** 8 Aug 2010, 08:50 pm »

I had the PS Audio outlet and it's not very good-uses Nickel Plating for corrosion but Nickel Plating is the worse for sound.I don't know why someone said Active power conditioners should be avoided at all costs it's just most of them are current limiting so only the preamp and source should be plugged in-not amps.But then again there are a few active power conditioners that improve everything-the Running Springs Audio Dimitri is such a conditioner I'm told.But then again its $5k-too expensive for me.I think it's better to attack ac noise at variety of points:at the breaker box (Alan Maher's Infinity cbf works better than ANY $25 tweek has right to),a well grounded dedicated line with a decent outlet,keeping digital components and analog on a separate circuit if possible and maybe one of Alan's plug in wall filters for around $50 for AC tuning back to the breaker.

Wayner · « **Reply #8 on:** 8 Aug 2010, 08:55 pm »

Quote from: srb on 8 Aug 2010, 08:42 pm

If a standard outlet sells for $3, this outlet is likely worth more. I don't know exactly how much improvement it would give to your audio system, but if it has triple wipe contacts and gold over nickel over copper plating, the improved metallurgy and mechanics can make a difference.

Not $148, but maybe $20? I only read the first three reviews, but maybe if I had read further, I might have found that the electricity cost to run your components would be lower with this outlet!

I was at a Home Depot recently, and a woman was asking the electrical guy if she should get the 110V or 220V replacement motor for her evaporative cooler. He told her to get the 220V motor because it would only draw half the current and therefore would only cost half as much to run as the 110V model! Aaaargh! Brought to you by your local HD Electrical Guru.

Steve

He was half right, that the amperage went down. If you have something that consumes 1000 watts at 120 volts, that would be 8.33 amps. If we are at 240 volts, that would be 4.16 amps. Unfortunately, the power company charges us by the watts consumed. E X I. So 120 X 8.33 amps is 1000 watts, and 240 X 4.16 amps is.......1000 watts.

duh.

Wayner

Wayner · « **Reply #9 on:** 8 Aug 2010, 08:59 pm »

Does anyone have the latest, up to date chart on which plating types sound better then others? I lost mine and now I feel my next purchase may have the wrong plating materials used. More wasted money.

Wayner

Elizabeth · « **Reply #10 on:** 8 Aug 2010, 09:14 pm »

The URL is great. I read the first thirty or so of the reviews. Funny, very funny.
I am of the wire is (mostly) wire camp. The (mostly) is so i can blow money on SOME wire, but when i see a rip off I can say "It's just WIRE" to myself.
So I have the $3.00 upgraded Pass & Seymour outlets and can say they are better than the $0.89 ones. I have a $3,500 power conditioner (Furman Ref20i) but paid $1,400. so I CAN be crazy, but not crazy enough to spend $140 on an outlet.
I would compare it to spending $140 a gallon for 'special' gasoline for my car. Or $140. for 'special' gallon of milk from the supermarket.
Why don't we tell the electric co we want 'special' high grade electricity for our homes for a 'special' price of $140. per kilowatt/hour
Like I said, I can throw money down the drain with the best of them... But $100 plus for an outlet is insane. $100 is not the issue, I could blow a hundred on some stupid thing anytime. It's just it is for a stupid outlet.

underdog64 · « **Reply #11 on:** 8 Aug 2010, 09:18 pm »

Why do you trash something you've never heard ?

Resonance control makes a difference in any AC circuit whether it's inside a component,the power cord going to the component,or in the outlet the system is plugged into.Plating makes a difference as well.Gold has a warmer sound,silver can be bright etc.

Nuck Futs · « **Reply #12 on:** 8 Aug 2010, 09:25 pm »

I was somewhat offended by the third review which stated that it zaps - among other things - minorities. I will then stay home in Lithuania and listen to my Steam album. Have a nice day.

keep on chooglin'

underdog64 · « **Reply #13 on:** 8 Aug 2010, 09:28 pm »

How exactly is an outlet (an electrical device) like a gallon of gas??

You lost me on that one

Wayner · « **Reply #14 on:** 8 Aug 2010, 09:30 pm »

In my world, the person, or company that makes the "claim" is responsible for the "proof". In this new world, anyone can make a claim and offer no proof, but if challenged, the challenger is closed minded or a fool.

This is the brave new world, filled with contempt and mysticism. How some are trying to lead the rats to the new world by promises of a higher order, at the cost of their own foolishness, eventually devoured by it for thy namesake of better audio, thru illusions, not knowledge.

Wayner

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #15 on:** 8 Aug 2010, 09:35 pm »

Quote from: Elizabeth on 8 Aug 2010, 09:14 pm

So I have the $3.00 upgraded Pass & Seymour outlets and can say they are better than the $0.89 ones. I have a $3,500 power conditioner (Furman Ref20i) but paid $1,400. so I CAN be crazy, but not crazy enough to spend $140 on an outlet.
I would compare it to spending $140 a gallon for 'special' gasoline for my car. Or $140. for 'special' gallon of milk from the supermarket.
Why don't we tell the electric co we want 'special' high grade electricity for our homes for a 'special' price of $140. per kilowatt/hour
Like I said, I can throw money down the drain with the best of them... But $100 plus for an outlet is insane. $100 is not the issue, I could blow a hundred on some stupid thing anytime. It's just it is for a stupid outlet.

Elizabeth:

Perhaps $100 is stupid for an outlet (tho I feel anyone may spend their finite funds on anything they'd like to)....but I can almost assure you that if you have the original $0.39 contractor grade outlets powering your equipment, the step to a $10 IG-8300 model will likely be beneficial to your system.

I cannot quite make out if you have some $3 Pass & Seymour outlets already or are just poking fun....but if you do have the $0.39 contractor grade ones powering your system, you're likely in for a pleasant surprise for such a small additional outlay

Lowes, Home Depot or perhaps even a well stocked local hardware store may have an IG-8300 type outlet for sale under $10, typically.

John

werd · « **Reply #16 on:** 8 Aug 2010, 09:36 pm »

$150 is too much. The same quality hospital grade can be had for around 20 bucks.

satfrat · « **Reply #17 on:** 8 Aug 2010, 09:38 pm »

Quote from: Wayner on 8 Aug 2010, 09:30 pm

In my world, the person, or company that makes the "claim" is responsible for the "proof". In this new world, anyone can make a claim and offer no proof, but if challenged, the challenger is closed minded or a fool.

This is the brave new world, filled with contempt and mysticism. How some are trying to lead the rats to the new world by promises of a higher order, at the cost of their own foolishness, eventually devoured by it for thy namesake of better audio, thru illusions, not knowledge.

Wayner

As it was with Elizabeth's "funny & crazy", you had me Wayner at "fool & closeminded".

You both said it,,, not me,,, and I couldn't agree more, just not about wall outlets.

Cheers,
Robin

Wayner · « **Reply #18 on:** 8 Aug 2010, 09:44 pm »

John is mis-quoting prices, again. There are no .39 cent outlets anymore. Inflation has taken care of that. I used to work for Hubbell. They make some very fine consumer grade outlets, 15 and 20 amp, that are of superior quality and a need for further enhancement is not necessary. Yes, some outlets are made from inferior annealed copper and do not hold a good grip on the plug. If not plated correctly with compatible materials, will corrode. Other claims are nothing more then claims.

However, All of this has inspired me to put the Dire Straights LP on, Love Over Gold.

Wayner

srb · « **Reply #19 on:** 8 Aug 2010, 09:54 pm »

Quote from: Wayner on 8 Aug 2010, 09:44 pm

John is mis-quoting prices, again. There are no .39 cent outlets anymore. Inflation has taken care of that.

You're right. John has "misquoted" prices. In 2010, the retail price for a single cheap duplex outlet at both Home Depot and Lowes is $0.59 each.

Edit: As John points out in the next post, buying them in a 10-pack is less than $0.39 each!

Steve