The Great Cryo'd Outlet Test

Hdm,
So true...at least a few of us are happy with cryo'd outlets :-))!
Best regards...

Hey Hdm, my experience was positive too! Just ask me. :)

Several things that cross my mind regarding the test:

1. Although highly, highly unlikely, as I recall, Hdm stated earlier that he was quite certain which outlet he marked, but still not 100% certain that he marked the right one. I'm sure he did, but there's still the remote 0.1 percent chance he did not.

2. I did not give the second outlet more than about 14 hours of burn-in. I suppose it's remotely possible that something could have changed had I left the second outlet burning in for another day or so. I could still try this, but if I were to and then did hear a difference, nobody would believe me anyway, so I probably will not do so.

3. Perhaps in my case or in any case, it just might have been a better or perhaps easier test had the outlets been the non-nickel plated versions.

4. About a month ago, (one week after upgrading to my cryo'ed IEC connector) I received my newer versions of Foundation Research LC-1 and LC-2 in-line passive power conditioners. The older versions were rated by Marty DeWulf in Bound for Sound last August as the best he's heard and he purchased the review samples for his big rig. These latest versions are multiples of 2 or even perhaps 3 times the sonic benefits of the previous version DeWulf reviewed. I mention this only because somebody above just posted something about some line conditioners possibly having an affect on the outlets.

As the reader can see I'm really reaching here to save face.

Nevertheless, I recently ordered some additional cryo-treated IECs, plugs, and outlets (all the non-plated type) because of the sonic benefits I received from the one IEC connector (when I was not anticipating any benefits). And those should arrive in a week or so.

Interesting and yet humbling test.

-IMO

Stehno: Glad you had fun. I originally wrote my review here of the World Power in July/02. Prior to that I experimented with different receptacles for about 12 months. In a "mix and match" (different receptacles running at the same time in the same system) situation, I actually made what I now consider to be erroneous conclusions. There was a time (in the mix and match phase) where I considered the Arrow Hart to be a better receptacle than the Hubbell 8200/8300 series (I didn't have any experience at that time with the Hubbell 5262/5362). Only when I ran the same receptacle everywhere did I realize that the Hubbell was better. The interactions will blur your results and have you scratching your head. It's easy to make mistakes or come to the wrong conclusion without consistency throughout the system.

Keep us posted on your new acquisitions. I have a new Furetech iec inlet arriving shortly and am going to have it cryoed before I pop it into my line conditioner. I'm confident it will do good things, as I've had very good luck with cryo (all of my cabling and CD's have been done), but the Furetech on its own should be a pretty major sonic improvement over the nickel plated standard fare that's in the conditioner now.

Stehno,

I don't think you need to worry about saving face at all. You went for what was a difficult test. I said it before that my feeling is that they need to be burned in and in the system longer. The IEC may burn in quicker due to a smaller mass of cryo'd metal.

As long as everyone is happy, with what they're hearing that's what counts(even Zaikesman).I want to thank Hdm,Albert Porter, Lak, Allan Kafton and who ever it was(I can't remember your name at the moment) here on AgoN that loaned me their Audio Dharma for their help in getting me closer to the music. I also want to congratulate Ed for at least giving it a go and to Stehno for his bravery under the microscope. Did I leave anyone out? Oh. And to Zaikesman for putting up with so much abuse and being a good sport about it.

Thanks, Maxgain. I guess that means I win the outlets!!! Boy, the things I have to make up just to win something around here.

Actually, if you're going to take that nice attitude, perhaps I should re-install the cryo'ed outlet for a few more days just to see if a bit of magic occurs.

The question is, would I actually have the courage to report my findings if in fact I hear increased sonic benefits?

-IMO