Question back - What are these plugged into? Below is a list of wall outlets, the contact metals used, and the associated conductivity expressed as a percent of the IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard), where standard ETP copper has conductivity expressed as 100%.
- Hubbell 8300 (as used in "audiophile" Porter Ports) - Brass, 25-40%
- Pangea Audio Premier AC Outlet - Phosphor bronze, 11-20%
- AudioQuest NRG Edison Duplex Outlet - Beryllium-copper, 15-65%
- Cardas Audio 4181US Duplex AC Outlet - Beryllium-copper, 15-65%
- Furutech’s GTX - (Alpha) pure copper (spring loaded), 100%
The point is that there are many design, materials, and construction choices that can affect the sound of just about any audio related product. For example, it is easy to say that copper is better, but what if the gripping pressure and resulting contact is better with another less malleable, higher strength metal, such as Beryllium-copper? Which sounds better? Who knows.
There are folks here who believe Ohno Continuous Cast (OCC) copper at about 103-104% conductivity sounds better than more typical annealed, oxygen free copper at 101% conductivity. Is that 2-3% really audible, when all else is equal? In the big scheme of things, and considering all the pieces, parts, and choices involved in an audio system, would a listener actually be able to perceive the difference? OTOH, for example, would closing the drapes in the listening room make a bigger sonic difference? Closing the drapes is free, just say'n.
Of course, as someone said here recently, "improvement thru placebo effect is still improvement".
