AudiogoN Reviews: World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets

Over the years I have tried most of the raved outlets on the market and the Porter Ports from Albert Porter were the best that I had found that did not add or take way from the music... here's a few, Oyaide R1, Synergistic Research Telsaplex, FIM 880, WattGate Silver 381 ag, PS Audio powerport premier, Jena Labs, Isoclean Gold. All these other outlets did something to harm the music in some way...some hyped up the highs and mids and others had bloated low ends. I always thought the Porter Ports were the best on the market that I had tried until I tried the Maestro outlets. The Maestro outlets are the most neutral and most accurate outlets that I have ever heard. I let the maestro outlets settle-in a little for 7 full days and nights playing music non-stop before comparing them with my porter ports. When I compared the two I found that the porter ports sounded a little closed-in and a little Flat sounding when compared to the maestro outlets. The porter ports was not as clean or as clear when compared to the maestro outlets. The porter ports low end was a little bloated too when compared to the maestro outlets. On complex musical passages with the porter ports in my system I found myself turning the volume down more...much more! When I was listening to music with the maestro outlets in my system the Trasparency of these outlets were truely amazing and I hope this will get even better as these outlets settle-in more! The soundstage was wider and deeper and they were more upper frequency air too when compared to the porter ports. The Maestro outlets had a lower noise floor that allowed more of the suble cues to come through more. The maestro outlets also had a better separation of individual instruments and vocals....more natural sounding more REAL! I think the non-plated maestro outlets have a much more direct sound than the non-plated porter ports because the Maestro outlets have a higher quality copper content. My vintage sansui sp-5500 horn speakers just completely disappears now with these maestro outlets in my entry level system...Marantz pm-7001 and matching marantz CD player, DH Labs power plus power cables, very cheap copper interconnects from wal-mart, Synergistic Research Alpha quad active speaker cables... I think these maestro outlets will become an Instant Classic!

by Hifisoundguy on 07-31-10

Follow ups

Click title to read one, or click date to read all below it.

07-31-10 you can get these maestro outlets at http://www.cruzef ... Hifisoundguy

07-31-10 Thanks for sharing your findings. that's a bunch of hig ... Foster_9

08-01-10 Thanks for the total picture, i know reviews of outlets ... Lak

08-01-10 yes lak it does take a lot of time. i thought because ... Hifisoundguy

08-01-10 Hifisoundguy, i have a couple fim 880; had them for yea ... Foster_9

08-01-10 foster_9 i don't remember now, i try out those fim 880 ... Hifisoundguy

08-01-10 these outlets are great with video too. my pioneer krp ... Hifisoundguy

08-01-10 i did put one of these maestro outlets inside my monst ... Hifisoundguy

08-03-10 Hi hifi, thanks for your observation on this out ... Kenk168

08-03-10 (update) i really did this review a little too soon be ... Hifisoundguy

08-03-10 So where do you purchase them and what do they cost? Sgr

08-03-10 sgr, you can buy these maestro outlets at www.cruzefi ... Hifisoundguy

08-14-10 my maestro outlets are still improving more and more a ... Hifisoundguy

08-17-10 I'm sorry, but i'm skeptical, if only because i know ho ... Mikesmith

08-17-10 Mikesmith's comments x2... Tvad

08-18-10 mikesmith, i use to be skeptical about ac outlets too ... Hifisoundguy

08-19-10 I been using these for 3 months now. i been very happy. ... Phillyb

08-19-10 Totally agree with hifisoundguy and phillyb. the maestr ... Gdecent33

08-21-10 I installed one a couple days ago. i'm going to let tha ... Rtn1

09-10-10 I have had my maestro outlet for a day and within 1 min ... Martay49

09-13-10 some of you that have maestro outlets might want to t ... Hifisoundguy

10-16-10 Can you recommend the best neatral sounding port for 22 ... Mehrakrishan

10-16-10 Which the best neautral sounding port after maestro as ... Mehrakrishan

11-16-10 I just wanted to add my voice and say that the maestro ... Istanbulu

04-18-11 i just wanted to put a working link to cruze first au ... Hifisoundguy

04-19-11 (update) i changed my system lately, i now have some n ... Hifisoundguy

07-30-11 {update} i changed all my cables in my system to crimso ... Hifisoundguy

07-31-11 Hifisoundguy, why don't you post your current system ... Lak

08-09-11 lak, i don't have a digital camera to post pictures. Hifisoundguy

08-11-11 {update} i have been trying out some dnm interconnect c ... Hifisoundguy

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
There's even a Electrical Engineer raving about these Maestro outlets, saying they made a BIG DIFFERENCE TOO.. http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1280092337&openflup&24&4#24
Hifisoundguy 08-12-11

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
I know some of you have been waiting for the 6moons review of these Maestro ac outlets and here it is...down this page a little.. http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/sablon2/3.html
Hifisoundguy 09-15-11

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
I wish the Maestros were available in white. This will be a WAF problem, but I decided to give them a try.
Tonyptony 10-15-11

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
Hifisoundguy (and other Maestro users), this afternoon I installed one of these outlets and gave it an initial listen. This one serves all my source gear, which is fed by a combination of Audience Adept and RSA conditioners. I'd like to find out what your initial impressions were of this outlet. Mine are only so-so. I know I need to put quite a bit more time on it, but my first listen was met with sound that was less dynamic, a bit less open, and overall more "polite" - especially in the bass. Looking to see if that matches what any of you others heard.
Tonyptony 10-21-11

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
Tonyptony, these outlets need 300 to 400 hours break-in time to sound their best.
Hifisoundguy 11-09-11

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
I agree with tonyptony. I wasn't overly impressed at first listen, same effect on my system that pretty much is only used for analog (graham, Benz, threshold, Teres 265, etc). .Gonna run this nonstop before my 30 day money back guarntee is up hoping for improvement. . will update my final decision. Will also be comparing to a porter port which is what I had in there before.
Cani80 11-09-11

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
Cani80, I'll be very curious about your impressions as time moves along. I have to say actually that the sound is improving in my system. I've been running my gear non-stop since I installed the Maestro (the beauty of using it for source gear first). I think I have about 480 hours on it now.
Tonyptony 11-09-11

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
80,

Talk to us!
Glory 11-13-11

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
Hello. I have been running it now not as long as you, but is say 200 hours. It seems to have opened up some, but when I go back to my old outlet (porter port), it just doesn't hold up. Sound just isn't as dynamic, a lot of the soundstage was lost . It's being tested from a dedicated line, plugged directly into source with black sand z1mk 2 powercords. Now not saying its a bad plug by any means, but I'm thinking maybe this one is more system dependant. Setup of mine now has been put together on me reading countless reviews from others experiences becuase its impossible to try everything. I've got a very neutral sound in my system now, which I think we all are tryin to achieve, that why I was excited to try the maestro thinking that by the review, it would give my system even more realism. I'm going to give it another day or so but I'm thinking if it doesn't improve, I'm gonna send it back. Im still keeping my hopes up :-)
Cani80 11-16-11

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
I have been trying out a Audio Magic Nano-Liquid fuse in my Yamaha a-s2000 solid-state integrated amp and my amp sounds much better now...everything sounds very smooth and with a very tube-like mid-range !..

These fuses let you hear the Maestro ac outlet's full potential and are a perfect match for these Maestro outlets.

Hifisoundguy 01-17-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
I have been trying out the new cover plates for my Maestro ac outlets from Cruze First Audio and these cover plates are by far the best I have ever tried...period !! These cover plates and Maestro ac outlets together let you hear.. "recorded music the way it was meant to be heard" !!

These cover plates are treated with the same RFI/EMI rejecting compuend used in the Maestro ac outlets !

I would like to get some feedback on these new cover plates from some of the Maestro ac outlet owners out there !

http://www.cruzefirstaudio.com/maestro_outlet.htm

Hifisoundguy 02-25-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
Hifisoundguy, your endorsement of both Audio Magic fuses and Maestro ac outlets lacks any comparative basis. If you are going to review, please give some reason why you should be believed.
Tbg 02-25-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
Hifisoundguy do you own or work for cruzefirst?
Tpreaves 02-25-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
Tpreaves NO, I DO NOT own or work for Cruze First Audio !
Hifisoundguy 02-27-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
Tbg , All "REVIEWS" should be looked at as a Guide only because we all hear things differently and we all have different tastes !..
Hifisoundguy 02-27-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
Higuy can not work for Cruz Audio as he spells Cruze wrong LOL
Glory 02-27-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
Its amazing that someone spends this much money and effort on outlets when his system is just mediocre at best. Let someone with a true high end system do these kind of evaluations, maybe I would be more interested in this product.
Jwm 03-01-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
Jwm,

How do you know Higuy has a mediocre system?

Have you heard it?
Glory 03-01-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
I have the Maestro outlets and they are worth the T&E needed to install and hear how they can outrun the competition.

Is my system up to snuff Jwm?
Glory 03-02-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
Jwm , I now have a Yamaha a-s2000 integrated amp and matching CD Player, Crimson R.M. Music Link interconnects and speaker cables, Modified BOSE 901 series 6 MK2's.

I think I have a pretty Damn GOOD system...to my EARS and that's ALL THAT MATTERS !..

I only wished they had these "Cover Plates" back when I first got my Maestro ac outlets...they are very addictive together !!..
Hifisoundguy 03-03-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
Hifisoundguy, if you are happy with the Maestros, enjoy. I listened to them but found the Hubbell HBL5362 superior. I should say, however, that I am now using the Weizhi PRS-6 which uses Custom Oyaide R1s. Of course, it is plugged into the Hubbell in the wall. Previously, I had preferred the Hubbell to the R1s. Perhaps it is the combination used in the Weizhi.
Tbg 03-03-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
Tbg , Did you listen to Maestro outlet with the new Cover Plate ON IT...these Maestro outlets do sound better with these cover plates ON THEM !..

I know these Maestro outlets are not going to please every system out there...
Hifisoundguy 03-03-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
No, I don't think they had one at the time.
Tbg 03-04-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
Tbg , you should give them another try sometime, they do sound better with these cover plates on them. They might be a better match for your system now.
Hifisoundguy 03-09-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
Hifisoundguy, you might want to try the Hubbell HBL5362 which should cost you less than $20@.
Tbg 03-09-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
Hifisoundguy, you might want to try the Hubbell HBL5362 which should cost you less than $20@.

Tbg,

Why would the Hubbell be so good in your system and what AC cables are you plugging into it?
Glory 03-09-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
I got this lead from the outlets used by Sound Application. They use them throughout and provide an additional one to install in the wall. Initially, I did not use it, but later installed it in place of the Maestro plug. Frankly everything benefited from doing this. Dynamics, the top end, bass, soundstage, and general realism improved.

I then compared it with the original Sound Application/Jena Labs unit which is the same Hubbell but cryogenically treated. I was shocked at how bad the cryoing did to the outlet. Next was the Syn. Res. Teslaplex SE. Again the plain HBL5362 proved superior. I bought 12 more and use them everywhere.

Why is it better. It is very heavy and used good brass throughout. It may be a simple as that. It is not used by others as it is typically between $15-$25.
Tbg 03-10-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
Tbg , its good that you have found a ac outlet that you like a lot... you should start your own thread about them here. We all have different tastes and we all hear things differently so what ever makes you happy is all that matters.
Hifisoundguy 03-10-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
Hifisoundguy, I have no interest in starting a new thread; anything but. This is because I know full well that people value different aspects of music reproduction, have different rooms, and certainly have different equipment. I post only to share my personal experiences.
Tbg 03-11-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
I'm very happy with with my Maestro ac outlets and I'm done looking for ac outlets.

Adding the new cover plates was just Icing on the cake and showed me the real full potential of these Maestro outlets !

To my ears, these Maestro outlets are the best ac outlets I have ever tried and they will be raved about for many years to come.
Hifisoundguy 03-12-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
There is one outlet that the Maestro should be compared to. The new Furutech GTX pure copper outlet.

My past experiences with using pure copper AC/IEC connectors for power cables have been a noticable jump in naturalness. You soon realise all gold/silver/rhodium plating has an artificial-ness about them.

Im not sure what the longevity is with using pure/red copper, but Furutech may have found a way to get high copper content and yet not have the problems with oxidation or softness.
Agisthos 03-14-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
Agisthos, high copper content is quality brass, which is what is in the Hubbell 5362.
Tbg 03-14-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
I recently installed a Maestro outlet and there was a perceptible improvement in sound quality. I have no idea why it would make any difference, especially in light of the fact that the outlet it replaced was also a "special" outlet -- a Synergistic Research Teslaplex. I assume the answer is Magic, but that is another thread. Anyway, I have a question...

I seem to recall reading in a couple places that magnetic backstraps were a no no. The Teslaplex has a magnetic backstrap, so I used that to "justify" ordering the Maestro. Justify to myself, not The Wife. I spare her the discomfort of these decisions. Yes, I know it's thoughtful of me. Anyway...

A week later, the Maestro arrived, shiny and new. When The Wife asked, "What's that?" I believe I said, "I have no idea. The mailman brought it." She left me gazing romantically at my new outlet, when an idea found its way into my head. I reached into my desk and found the very same magnet that had condemned the Teslaplex to the Drawer of Forgotten Toys. I decided to celebrate the Maestro's arrival by holding the magnet to its backstrap, and... it stuck.

The Maestro also has a magnetic backstrap. Hmm.

Bryon
Bryoncunningham 03-22-12

World's BEST ac outlets.......Maestro outlets
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 05-04-12