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New ACME outlet sounds worse

I just replaced a very old Eagle outlet with a cryoed ACME. The soundstage shrunk, micro and macro dynamics sound soft, and now I find that I want to turn my preamp up a click or two to get some of it back. At this moment, I am considering putting thw old one back in. Did I do something wrong? I sanded the wires, wiped off the dust, and sprayed them with Caig DeOxit (I did not wipe it off as the directions did not say to). Will it take a while to break in? Should I try a different brand? Thanks.
brooksl
jbello
115 posts
 
It's called hype, and strikes often in audio
hdm
1,055 posts
 
Although I am not a fan of the Pass & Seymour outlets I have used so far (I have a cryoed P&S 5262A breaking in at the moment on a chest freezer that I'll eventually try in the next few months) you really shouldn't make any judgement on that outlet for at least a month.
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Might be break in. The fact that you have to turn it up a notch or two usually indicates less noise, therefore you're sensing you're not hearing as much-a good thing in this case. I'd hold off for a few weeks before you switch.

I don't use DeOxit, but if it says to wipe it off...you should.

My outlets took several weeks to sound best, however, they were dramactically better the first minute I played them...

You might want to try other brands, I went through 3 before I found what was best in my system...
wellfed's avatar
wellfed
690 posts
 
My system went the opposite way after installing cryo'd ACME's. The noise floor was reduced in an immediately apparent way. I don't know what happened in your case. One audiophile I respect checked out a number of after-market outlets, and ACME was the best in his estimation. I am so pleased with my own results that I personally wouldn't bother trying another brand.
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