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THE GREAT AC OUTLET SHOOTOUT.

Just to satisfy my own curiosity and because of the very passionate debate by some relating to this issue, I have decided to perform a controlled listening test of AC outlets, basically most of the ones suggested in this tread AC Outlets that I could get a hold of. I’m basically putting my own money where my mouth is.

I have procured the following AC outlets, all are new and unused.

Audio Magic NanoStream, $ 69 and WattGate 5266i AC Plug $10

Porter Port by Albert Porter, $41 and TBD AC Plug $ ?

Furutech FPX-G $95, and Furutech FI-11M-G AC Plug $55

Pass Seymour CR6300 Cryo $44 with Pass Seymour 5366XCCV4 AC Plug $10

Teslaplex SE by Synergistic Research $95 and TBD AC Plug $ ?

Hubbell HBL5362-I Heavy Duty Spec. Grade Grande Duplex $16 and HBL5266C AC plug $10

Levitron 5362-W Industrial Heavy Duty Grande, Straight Blade, Self Grounding Duplex $7 and AC Plug Levitron 5266-C Industrial grade $10

El Cheapo HomeDepot Outlet $0.54 with “regular” Cheap moulded power cord $5

Technical Description of the Test:

To ensure that all the outlets will be equally represented in this test they will be mounted in a test fixture evenly spaced. They will all be fed via a single piece of 12 gauge romex cable directly hardwired to a dedicated 20 amp breaker in our main panel. The wire will be uncut when wired between the different outlets - basically simulating a “single run” dedicated line as only one outlet will be energized at any time.

As you can see if have ordered AC Plugs of the same manufacture and grade as the outlets, I have asked the suppliers of the Audio Grade outlets what AC plug they recommend to get the best performance from the outlet, that way there should be synergy within the - connection point - that is to be evaluated.

The AC plugs will be wired with 3x12 Gauge SJOOW about 12” long these will be hardwired to each their own 3 pole 20Amp relay that will be controlled by a PLC (programable logic controller) this to enable remote controlled switching between the 8 different outlets. The control will be programmed so that the next circuit will energize prior to the past one is de-energized to ensure uninterrupted current flow to the system that will be used for the test. The Complete Audio system will be fed from this one test jig, one outlet at a time. The individual power cords for each piece of equipment will be hard wired into a common terminal strip that is fed from the output of the relays. With this setup the ONLY variable is the AC outlet and its associated AC Plug. The test jig with the outlets will be run in prior to the test for at least 24 hours to insure “break in” for the ones that feel that this is important.

I want to run it as a blind test at first to ensure a completely unbiased result. As each outlet is energized it will be represented by a LED indicating that now outlet “A” for an example is energized, enabling the test panel to identify which outlet they deem the “best sounding”. Many of you have stated that the AC Outlet a Audio System is connected to profoundly changes the sound of the Audio System, so it should be beyond obvious to the test panel which one “sounds” the best. Later on the same test jig can be used for testing AC Cables should the opportunity arise.

We will use a Audio System similar to the system I have listed here on AudioGon for the test, it may change a bit by time of the test based upon what I have available at the time. The total current consumption of the system is in the range of 6 - 8 Amp at idle I estimate at this time but a complete listing of the system used, with actual current draw will be published here on this forum, along with the results of the test for those interested. System

The Test Panel:

On December 2nd. we will host the San Diego Music and Audio Guild here at our facility from 2P to 5P. We host that great group of folks here about every two years or 3 years, usually in December so this coinciding presents a great opportunity to do the AC Outlet test as there will be plenty of Audiophiles available for a unbiased opinion. I ran it by the President of the group this morning and he thought it would be a great thing to do along with of course auditioning our demo system in our factory show room, see and hear our new offerings, discuss audio etc. For more information about our facility you can go to our website and take a peak at the video, there is footage there from our showroom as well. Website

Everyone is welcome to participate in this catered event, there will be food and beverage served. Slider Burgers, Finger Sandwiches, Draft Beer and Soft Drinks etc. If you want to attend just shoot me an email so I can plan ahead with the caterer making sure we will have enough for everyone.

If any of you have any suggestions on on how to conduct the actual test, ie how long do you think each AC outlet should be “on” for, how many times the test should be repeated etc. suggestions are more than welcome. Also, if you have any suggestions to as how the test jig could be technically improved, let me know and I’ll be happy to discuss further.

As Always, Good Listening

Peter
pbnaudio

Showing 6 responses by jea48

jea48
2,944 posts
 
To ensure that all the outlets will be equally represented in this test they will be mounted in a test fixture evenly spaced.

What material is the "test fixture" made from? Ferrous or non ferrous? Receptacles can react differently when installed in a ferrous, magnetic, enclosure than in a non ferrous enclosure. For net zero influence I would recommend aluminum with a nylon duplex cover plate.

The test jig with the outlets will be run in prior to the test for at least 24 hours to insure “break in” for the ones that feel that this is important.
24 hours?

I would think a minimum of 48 hours would be more appropriate. Some may even recommend 72 hours...

Also I assume each receptacle/plug combination "break in" period will be under a connected load condition. What load are you considering using for break-in?

The control will be programmed so that the next circuit will energize prior to the past one is de-energized to ensure uninterrupted current flow to the system that will be used for the test.

"Make before break".... That is a good idea especially for the power supply of a power amp.
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jea48
2,944 posts
 
Pbnaudio,

The more I think about your planned receptacle outlet experiment the more I believe the results will yield only flawed results.

Some problems I see.

The common board all the duplex receptacles will be mounted to. Vibration....

The fact that the duplex recepts will be daisy chained fed.
Sure hate to be that guy on the end...

The choice of relays used. Mechanical contacts may not be all the same. Some relay contacts may seat better than others. A variable...

How the relays would be mounted and how the contacts would be fed. I could go on and on just about the problems with the relays in the circuit current path.

No relay would be best.

The best way, jmho, is the true and tried way to listen to the sonic differences of receptacles.... Connect the recept directly to the branch circuit and plug the audio equipment directly into the recept.

No relay contacts
No daisy chaining
No vibrating mounting board
Same power cord being used for each listening session.

Your bench test experiment setup has too many variables to be credible.... JMHO....
Jim
jea48
2,944 posts
 
Pbnaudio,

If this test concludes that the AC outlet have little if any effect on the performance of a system, your post is already the first attempt of discrediting it of which I'm sure there will be a few because you probably will not like the outcome of it - IHMO
Pbnaudio 10-30-12
Not sure what your position is......
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ymisc&1350423955&&&/AC-Outlets

>>>>>>>>>

I have experimented with recepts though not the Hi-End audio grade ones.

All duplex receptacles are not created equal.

There is a hell of a lot more that comes into play besides
contact pressure of the device.

At present of those recepts I have personally experimented with I am using cryoed Hubbell hosp grade HBL8300H non plated bronze contacts with a brass non plated yoke, mounting back strap.

I have also experimented with different types of recept cover plates.

Any cover plate that has a ferrous material, magnetic properties, will affect the sonics of connected audio equipment, and not in a good way.

If I get a change later today I will reread your post and respond to the rest of it.

jea48
2,944 posts
 
as someone who has tried to tune my stereo system, using a variety of substances and approaches, can someone indicate the extent to which a change in an outlet can affect the sound of a stereo system, as compared to a cable or component ?
03-02-13: Mrtennis
Mrtennis,

Question, have you experimented on your own with power receptacles?

Do you know from experience whether a power cord can change the sound of your audio system, good or bad?

Receptacles can change the sound of an audio system just like a power cord can. Both good and bad.

Basics of a receptacle used to power audio equipment?

* Size and surface area of the contacts.

* Contact pressure against the inserted plug blades.

* Material metal used in the construction of the contacts of the receptacle.

*Plating of the contacts? Some good some bad. No plating, can be good. Ferrous nickel plating bad.

* Yoke, supporting back strap, ferrous or non ferrous?
Experimentation has shown steel is bad....

* Side terminal screws. Ferrous, non ferrous? Non ferrous is better.

* Receptacle body type of material used.
* How well the body holds the electrical contacts in place.
* How well the receptacle body controls vibration.
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jea48
2,944 posts
 
Ozzy, shouldn't each outlet be homerun to minimize the breaks and differences ( ie metallurgy) in the tabs?
03-04-13: Gpb

I thought the same thing when I looked at the power strip photo.

It would seem the receptacle on the end would suffer the most from the wiring daisy chaining configuration.

This might work better......

Use one piece of solid core #14 or #12 wire for each run from the IEC inlet connector to the receptacles.

Each wire would be formed so the wire would connect to each receptacle by one side mount terminal screw. Each wire is continuous unbroken from the IEC connector to the last receptacle.

The insulation around the wire would be carefully removed and the bared wire formed into a horseshoe around the receptacle terminal screw. Before tightening the screw, slightly close the horseshoe with needle nose pliers around the screw.

With this method there is still a chance of transfer vibration between the receptacles through the single connected conductors. I would think due to the quality of vibration dampening of the receptacles any transfer vibration would be minimal.

Another method would be to use 5 pigtails tied together with a good compression type wire connector for each wire fed from the IEC inlet connector. Each receptacle fed by its own pigtail wires.
Jim
jea48
2,944 posts
 
Is it true the Maestro has a steel ferrous mounting back strap?

The older version of the Teslaplex duplex receptacle has a steel back strap. The SE version does not.

05-04-12: Ted_d
Bryon,
If it's any consolation, the new Teslaplex SE dose not have a magnetic back strap. Thanks to your input (and others) I began experiments with not magnetic materials in the construction of the Teslaplex and found this made a substantial improvement.

Yours in music,
Ted Denney III
Lead Designer, Synergistic Research Inc.
Ted_d
>http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?raccs&1280581691&openusid&zzTed_d&4&5#Ted_d

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