How do I replace an outlet?

Audire, have you read the above responses or are you just not getting the message? When dealing with electricity, if you don't know what you're doing, then get someone who does.

JEEEZ...
I replace outlets all the time with the power still on.
Just never touch BOTH sides/both wires at the same time!!!!
Give the guy a break(er)!!
If you cut the power at the box, you are safe!!
BUT: if OTHER wires are also behind the box, and are covered with screw-on caps DO NOT MESS WITH THEM
Some outlets near windows etc, have the wiring back there for 220V connections (air conditioner wiring)
If you just unscrew the outlet and pull it out... the wires on it can be put on the new outlet just fine... make certain the wires go back on the same side as the original, and that the outlet is "right side up"! when you attach the wires!

Elizabeth, you are right. The whole process is quite easy. I just don't want to hear from a friend of Audire that he fried himself when he didn't know what he was doing. You are an above average audiophile (that's not supposed to be an insult) plus handi-person. That doesn't mean everyone else is as good as you.

The grounding wire does go around the screw, but you need to be sure you have the other wires at the proper terminals or you will reverse the polarity of the outlet, and affect the sound quality of your system.

Watch out if your house has aluminum wiring. You need special connectors for this stuff, and it may not be compatible with your outlets.

Failure to properly address aluminum wiring will cause a fire hazard. Improperly done joints will oxidize and arc out under load.

ALuminum wiring is illegal under most codes now, but is common in construction from 1970 through the mid 80's.

When you wind the wire around the screw wind it clockwise so that when you tighten the screw you are also tightening the wire loop. The screw for the hot wire is supposed to be brass and the neutral is silver colored.

Sperry Instruments makes a really handy little device that you plug into your outlet. It is a little yellow box with three lights on it that indicate whether the wiring is done correctly or not. It's best not to rely on a lamp because it will still light if you reverse the hot and neutral wires and will not tell you if you got the ground right. You can also use the tester to confirm that the power is off.

Your local Home Depot or any large hardware store should have a number of DIY wiring booklets as well as the Sperry or similar tester.