Both suggestions above are accurate. However, It is usually a violation of local code to run the ground separate from the main panel. I agree with A2z that it sounds better, but it is sometime difficult to find an electrician who will do this for you. Just for the record, I did separate my grounds from the main panel. I took the time to explain my needs, well in advance of the job to convince the electrician that I knew exactly what I needed. One other point, regardless of the type of ground, the construction of the box you mount your hospital receptacle into can well determine the ultimate result. If the mounting box is metal, it is often grounded to the main panel. In that case, a separate ground can cause a loop, where you may get hum. If you use a PVC box to mount the hospital grade outlet into, you resolve this problem. Be warned though, the PVC has no capability to provide an emergency ground, so the ground screw on the receptacle is the only shot at getting that plug safe to ground. Be certain too, before you wire in that new receptacle, that you check its construction. Every brand of hospital grade receptacle sounds different, and even among the different brands there are several types of construction. I prefer the Hubbell brand, and be sure that it shows the golden copper color inside, where the business end of your male plug goes. The ones that are plated with the silver colored anti corrosion material (zinc?) sound terrible. Best luck. |
The plated Leviton hospital grade will probably sound better than common household outlets. As long as you are going to the trouble, why not use the best? As I stated in my earlier posting, the Hubbell is the best construction, and the best sounding. If you compare the Hubbell, all copper construction with the Leviton, all copper, the Hubbell will have lower distortion, tighter bass and smoother highs. The Hubbell is available from commercial electrical sales outlets, and is only sometime carried by electricians. The reason? The buyer only sees a final bill for the parts and labor. If the electrician can use a brand that costs less, he makes more profit. Many electricians truly believe there is NO difference in any outlet, sound or otherwise, and are merely installing what they are instructed to do. If you cannot find Hubbell locally, Michael Percy Audio Products has them in stock, at a discount of $23.50 each. These are the correct ones for audio, and are rated at 20 amps. Mike can be reached at 415-669-7181 (voice) or 415-669-7558 (fax) he prefers orders via fax. |
The posting by Sdcampbell and myself must have occurred at almost the same time. I went to the site he suggested and indeed, the Hubbell plugs there are cheaper. The reason is simple, these are the 15 amp version, and are not the 20 amp version I suggested. If you really want to go to the trouble and just save a few bucks, Mike Percy sells the 15 amp version for $8.95, rather than the $24.50 price for the better ones. |
I believe the hospital grade Hubbell in the 20 amp. version, all copper, is the heavy duty model number 8300-I. I believe the "I" in the product code refers to "Ivory" color. It is not significant to the performance. |
Right, we are not on a discussion topic about vinyl. The color of the vinyl used to manufacture LP's actually DOES affect the sound. Luckily, as you point out, the AC outlet color does not effect performance. If you mount an ivory outlet, centered in a black, brown or grey cover plate, it could effect what you "hear" about your stereo, if not the sound. (Hey, we are supposed to have SOME fun). |
Lmb, that is (perhaps) the correct Hubbell, the heavy duty 20 amp version. The only remaining difference is the green dot on the face of the outlet, right beside the ground hole, an indication of dedicated ground, and not the case strap variety. I can only guess that the $4.55 difference between needledoctor and Mike Percy is that ground difference, or perhaps the cost for either version is the same, and needledoctor is cheaper? I have the version from Mike Percy, and it indeed sounded better than the ones I got from the electrical supply and better than other brands as well. Certainly the $18.95 Hubbells from needledoctor are the 20 amp version, so that part is absolutely correct. You would probably be in great shape with either version. However, there is only about $50.00 difference in the price of a dozen of these. You must decide if it is worth the risk. I honestly do not know. |
The first line of my initial posting on 09-04-00 was in response to that same question by you on 09-03-00. I think the plated Hospital grade would probably be better than the original household plug. Electrical outlets, like all things in life, get old and worn. I suspect that the upgrade to the new outlet alone would be significant. Any hospital grade plug will be constructed of heavier and higher quality materials, superior grounding and tighter grip on the male plug, reducing resistance and arcing. If you have a choice, go with the ones I suggested. If you have already spent your money and are getting good results, don't worry about it, change them out after you get some use from the ones you already have. One possible option to make use of the plated outlets (if you do have them) is to install them in other rooms. How about replacing the standard outlets in places where there is a heavy duty hair dryer, a computer or your TV? That would allow you to use what you have, and put the upgraded outlets in the sound system, where it does matter. Just an idea, best luck! |
This is much the same argument as to whether you should use Hubbell (male) connectors, rather than ordinary ones. The 20 amp version is heavier, provides tighter clamping action, additional contact area and rated for higher capacity. Those of us here at Audiogon that spend thousands of dollars on equipment should not concern ourself about such a small investment difference as the price spread between these two Hubbells. Just imagine that this Hubbell connection is part of your power supply in your expensive amp, preamp, CD transport etc. Then stop and realize, IT IS! |
