Welcome to the AudioShark Forums.
Results 1 to 24 of 24

Thread: I'm Puzzled

  1. #1
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    Wesley Chapel, FL
    Posts
    956

    I'm Puzzled

    Hopefully someone can explain the principles behind this.

    I am one that believes that everything matters with trying to raise the quality of the sound of music we listen to. This obviously relates to our equipment, rooms and media.

    I have recently seen posts on different sites that descriptions and options of people trying something new to me. Stainless Steel Carbon-fiber receptacle cover plates.

    I've read people commenting on hearing the difference between the SSCF plates and plastic or plain SS.
    Also that they could hear a difference depending which type of screw they used to attach it to the receptacle.

    I'm not saying it can't possibly be true but, can someone explain how this might have an affect on the sound. The only thing I can come up with is some type of vibration or oscillation in the current flowing through the cable or the receptacle it self.

    I don't see purchasing a $94 cover plate anytime in the foreseeable future. I guess anything is possible.

    Signed
    Puzzled
    Synology 1019D+ - SGC Sonictransporter I9 w Roon/HQ Player- UltraRendu- PBD Stream IF to Playback Designs MPS5 via fiber optic - ARC 40th Anniversary Pre - ARC 610 T's - Martin Logan CLX's - 4 Martin Logan Depth i Subs - Shunyata Hydra, DIY PCOCC interconnects, speaker cables and power cords with Furutech terminations. Blue Jeans CAT 6's. Acoustically treated room with one permanent chair.

  2. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Seattle, WA
    Posts
    148

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    Quote Originally Posted by brad225 View Post
    Hopefully someone can explain the principles behind this.

    I am one that believes that everything matters with trying to raise the quality of the sound of music we listen to. This obviously relates to our equipment, rooms and media.

    I have recently seen posts on different sites that descriptions and options of people trying something new to me. Stainless Steel Carbon-fiber receptacle cover plates.

    I've read people commenting on hearing the difference between the SSCF plates and plastic or plain SS.
    Also that they could hear a difference depending which type of screw they used to attach it to the receptacle.

    I'm not saying it can't possibly be true but, can someone explain how this might have an affect on the sound. The only thing I can come up with is some type of vibration or oscillation in the current flowing through the cable or the receptacle it self.

    I don't see purchasing a $94 cover plate anytime in the foreseeable future. I guess anything is possible.

    Signed
    Puzzled
    I have the furutech outlet and plate, I never heard a difference.

    I personally think a lot of claims are wildly exaggerated. For example, I don't think many people can actually hear a network switch.

    But to each their own. I DO believe there may be an additive effect when you use many of these things together. For example, if you use a few dedicated lines, in phase, the outlets and really good power cords and conditioner all together, it can be a really good combination when taken as a whole.

    Sent from my SM-N986U1 using Tapatalk
    --Marc

  3. #3

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    The best part is people who claim they have found the optimum torque value for the screws that hold the wall plate on.
    Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.

    Reviewer for Positive Feedback

  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    5,948

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    Quote Originally Posted by 2fastdriving View Post
    I have the furutech outlet and plate, I never heard a difference.

    I personally think a lot of claims are wildly exaggerated. For example, I don't think many people can actually hear a network switch.

    But to each their own. I DO believe there may be an additive effect when you use many of these things together. For example, if you use a few dedicated lines, in phase, the outlets and really good power cords and conditioner all together, it can be a really good combination when taken as a whole.

    I sort of agree Marc. I definitely believe in better cables and try to get the best I can. Certainly believe a solid power conditioner should be in the equation. I also believe that you can go overboard, depending on your system. I believe your system and environment has to be of a certain level to be able to have tweaks to the Nth degree actually make a difference. I also believe my system does not approach that level. I doubt many do.
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  5. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    5,948

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    Quote Originally Posted by mep View Post
    The best part is people who claim they have found the optimum torque value for the screws that hold the wall plate on.
    Dam, I would be screwed then. I probably would over tighten the screws .
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  6. #6
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Ormond Beach, Plantation Bay CC
    Posts
    5,172

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    Dam, I would be screwed then. I probably would over tighten the screws .
    Nah, just get ya a torque screwdriver and you will be fine LOL

  7. #7
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    Wesley Chapel, FL
    Posts
    956

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    Quote Originally Posted by CPP View Post
    Nah, just get ya a torque screwdriver and you will be fine LOL
    Any number of family members think I have a screw loose. That may be just what I need.
    Synology 1019D+ - SGC Sonictransporter I9 w Roon/HQ Player- UltraRendu- PBD Stream IF to Playback Designs MPS5 via fiber optic - ARC 40th Anniversary Pre - ARC 610 T's - Martin Logan CLX's - 4 Martin Logan Depth i Subs - Shunyata Hydra, DIY PCOCC interconnects, speaker cables and power cords with Furutech terminations. Blue Jeans CAT 6's. Acoustically treated room with one permanent chair.

  8. #8
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    The Neutral Zone
    Posts
    559

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    Quote Originally Posted by mep View Post
    The best part is people who claim they have found the optimum torque value for the screws that hold the wall plate on.
    2.7818 N-m
    Tom

    Audio:
    Amati Futura Mains
    Amati Homage VOX Center,
    Proac Response 1sc Rears,
    Three MC2301's for L,C,R
    MC 602 for the rears
    C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 77
    Nottingham Dais with Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation
    SurfacePro 3, JRiver, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC

    Video:
    MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material.

    Lake House:
    Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 80, Rega P3

    OnDeck:
    McIntosh MAC 4300v

  9. #9
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    Wesley Chapel, FL
    Posts
    956

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    Quote Originally Posted by 2fastdriving View Post
    I have the furutech outlet and plate, I never heard a difference.

    I personally think a lot of claims are wildly exaggerated. For example, I don't think many people can actually hear a network switch.

    But to each their own. I DO believe there may be an additive effect when you use many of these things together. For example, if you use a few dedicated lines, in phase, the outlets and really good power cords and conditioner all together, it can be a really good combination when taken as a whole.

    Sent from my SM-N986U1 using Tapatalk
    So, did you purchase them with the thought they might make a difference in sound?

    I could see buying them because they look nice, though there might be a Chinese knock-off that would look similar for $10.
    Synology 1019D+ - SGC Sonictransporter I9 w Roon/HQ Player- UltraRendu- PBD Stream IF to Playback Designs MPS5 via fiber optic - ARC 40th Anniversary Pre - ARC 610 T's - Martin Logan CLX's - 4 Martin Logan Depth i Subs - Shunyata Hydra, DIY PCOCC interconnects, speaker cables and power cords with Furutech terminations. Blue Jeans CAT 6's. Acoustically treated room with one permanent chair.

  10. #10
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    176

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    I'm willing to read the claims of some of these devices, but I also have a couple of engineering degrees and originally hail from Missouri, so I have a strong "show me" streak that has to be appeased...

    Scientifically, a wall plate cover should never be in the current path (it's electrically isolated, else you'd get zapped if you touch the screw). And the outlet itself is attached to the wall via screws into the electrical box, not via the cover plate. If the outlet is loose enough in the box that the cover plate is somehow stabilizing it, you've already done it wrong. Having said that, I do have a few Furutech outlets on the main rig, but only because I added dedicated 20A 10ga circuits at the time and was after the vice-like mechanical grip they provide on the cords. I do not have the mount pad or cover plate. I could have achieved what I got from the Furutech in other ways, but the incremental cost for a "basic" Furutech wasn't really that large. In the basement system I have hospital grade Hubbells, and they're very very close in gripping power. I hear no difference that I would attribute to the outlet choice, but nor have tried swapping out wall outlets for an A/B test.

    If the manufacturer can supply some actual data backing up the how/why of what their product does, that helps. Spouting marketing language about "nano"-this and "quantum"-that generally subtracts points in my book. But of course if you try "it" and are convinced you hear a difference for the better, then by all means go for it if you can afford the entry price and it makes you happy!
    Jeff

    Main System
    Streamer/Server: Aurender N100H; Disc Player: Oppo UDP-205; DAC: Topping D90SE; Preamp: Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE Stage 2; Power Amp: ATI AT542NC; Speakers: Focal Sopra No. 3; Cables: Wireworld, Kimber, Cullin; Power: Ansuz Mainz8 X-TC, PS Audio Dectet, Furutech outlets

    Basement Media Room
    Streamer/Server: Aurender N100SC; Disc Player: Panasonic DB-UP9000; Surround Pre/Pro: Monoprice Monolith HTP-1; Power Amps: Apollon NC1200SL (custom 3-channel w/Sparkos SS2590 op amps), Apollon AS3600 6-channel; Speakers: Focal Kanta No. 3, Kanta Center, 300 ICW8 (x6); Subwoofer: Rythmik F18SE (x2); Cables: Wireworld, BlueJeans; Power: Torus RM20, Furman Elite 20PFi; Room Correction: Dirac Live w/ Bass Control; Video: Sony 77" A9G OLED

  11. #11

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    Imagination, it does wonders for the perceived sound...

    Back in the day, I was in a circle of close audiophile buddies and we were all into the audiophile hobby head first. The late 80s and 90s saw what perhaps was the start of the true tweakophile phase and all the gadgets and gizmos that started to appear on the market. So not only the gear, speakers, cables were borrowed, loaned, auditioned but we would do many blind listening tests for fun to try and find the true diamonds in the rough.... Needless to say that the glow in the dark CD mats, the green markers to color the edges and the top sides of CDs as well as ALL cables all crumbled in blind listening tests.

    But we had one die hard audiophile among us that was a true Tweakophile to the core. This guy was obsessed with vibration control. Trying every known material/substance to mankind.. Granite, Marble, Stone, Wood (various boards/planks/grades/sorts of wood) plastic, resin, metal, rubber. He even tried various combinations of glass, metal, rubber sandwiches to place under his gear. He also had very good gear for the time. Spectral with Aerial speakers.

    Everything made a difference in sound for this guy. Everything. He swore up and down he hears everything that is changed in his system... So of course when he came up with the latest invention, the bicycle tire tubes under his gear, complete with pressure gauges and his claims that he has figured out and has recorded the exact pressures in those bicycle tubes needed, to dampen all the vibrations for optimum response from his system...Well, of course we came over to listen!

    Needless to say, not one of us heard anything different as hard as we tried with our much fresher ears some 25 years ago... Moreover, we often liked to play jokes on the guy so while he went to look for a record, we deflated the tube under his preamp as a practical joke. He went on gushing over the new tonal balance of his system and how much the tubes made a difference.... Good thing he had a good sense of humor as a few albums later, we had to land him back to earth and tell him the bicycle tube was flat and the "Emperor really had no clothes"....


    It is amazing what a human mind can concoct with imagination. All the blind listening tests taught us to appreciate the gear but know what to spend money on and what not to.

    So forgive me if I am the biggest skeptic of the notion that a power cord makes a difference when there is a tiny, tiny, piece of very cheap wire inside a glass tube, called a fuse that still has to pass all the juice the FAT power cord brags about bringing to the table..

  12. #12
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    Wesley Chapel, FL
    Posts
    956

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    If I remember correctly, one of the reviews I read referred to the use of Carbon-Fiber would produce a negative ion that would offset RFI and vibration in the signal path.

    He also said that though the cover plates didn't improve the 3D of his sound stage it lowered the floor noise and increased the depth and clarity of the sound stage. He felt there was no doubt they were worth the purchase price.

    I probably didn't need to use Shunyata SR-1 receptacles in my listening room. A good Hubbell outlet would probably been fine but, I would have always wondered. I did add some more SR-1 receptacles after my EE friend checked the Home Depot marketed Leviton receptacles I used for my speaker & sub power and found there was excessive reading between ground and neutral. That was covered in another thread.


    When I built my listening room I insisted on using 10/3 for the runs to each outlet from the panel. My electrician told me it was ridiculous and unnecessary.
    I told him if I chose to weld in my room that was my business. He didn't think my comment was very funny. I ended pulling all of the 10/3 on the weekend when he wasn't there so it would be run the way I wanted, with much less stress.
    Synology 1019D+ - SGC Sonictransporter I9 w Roon/HQ Player- UltraRendu- PBD Stream IF to Playback Designs MPS5 via fiber optic - ARC 40th Anniversary Pre - ARC 610 T's - Martin Logan CLX's - 4 Martin Logan Depth i Subs - Shunyata Hydra, DIY PCOCC interconnects, speaker cables and power cords with Furutech terminations. Blue Jeans CAT 6's. Acoustically treated room with one permanent chair.

  13. #13
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    3,837

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    Quote Originally Posted by mep View Post
    The best part is people who claim they have found the optimum torque value for the screws that hold the wall plate on.
    _______________

    Mike

    Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
    Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
    Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
    Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
    Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
    Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
    Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
    Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
    ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
    Rack: Artesania Exoteryc

  14. #14

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    Quote Originally Posted by brad225 View Post
    Hopefully someone can explain the principles behind this.

    I am one that believes that everything matters with trying to raise the quality of the sound of music we listen to. This obviously relates to our equipment, rooms and media.

    I have recently seen posts on different sites that descriptions and options of people trying something new to me. Stainless Steel Carbon-fiber receptacle cover plates.

    I've read people commenting on hearing the difference between the SSCF plates and plastic or plain SS.
    Also that they could hear a difference depending which type of screw they used to attach it to the receptacle.

    I'm not saying it can't possibly be true but, can someone explain how this might have an affect on the sound. The only thing I can come up with is some type of vibration or oscillation in the current flowing through the cable or the receptacle it self.

    I don't see purchasing a $94 cover plate anytime in the foreseeable future. I guess anything is possible.

    Signed
    Puzzled
    The BS that is propagated in this hobby can only be sustained by suckers who happen to be born every minute.

  15. #15

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    Complete mental masturbation these gadgets and accessories are...

    Listen to any musical track but longer than 30-45 seconds three or four times in a row and focus on different instruments mentally. You will hear a different presentation, enough so to think something was changed in your system.

  16. #16
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    birmingham uk
    Posts
    586

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    there used to be a fairly well known reviewer who said if the screws on a plug were all the same way it sounded better !!! some crazy ideas out there
    1]bel canto EIX/ F5 monoblocks . BC cd2, tannoy eaton legacy 2]bel canto pre 5 ,arcam a85 , black ice modded dac
    modded dac , marantz sa8005, Verity audio Rienzi

  17. #17
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    SE Pa
    Posts
    2,029

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    Brad, I think there's a sale going on right now@ Amazon, buy three receptacle covers and get a jar of those 'magic marbles' for a buck !
    Cheers ! …. Dave

  18. #18
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    Wesley Chapel, FL
    Posts
    956

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    Quote Originally Posted by Mikado463 View Post
    Brad, I think there's a sale going on right now@ Amazon, buy three receptacle covers and get a jar of those 'magic marbles' for a buck !
    Dave, Should I decide to go that route, that would be a good deal because I clearly would have lost my marbles.
    Synology 1019D+ - SGC Sonictransporter I9 w Roon/HQ Player- UltraRendu- PBD Stream IF to Playback Designs MPS5 via fiber optic - ARC 40th Anniversary Pre - ARC 610 T's - Martin Logan CLX's - 4 Martin Logan Depth i Subs - Shunyata Hydra, DIY PCOCC interconnects, speaker cables and power cords with Furutech terminations. Blue Jeans CAT 6's. Acoustically treated room with one permanent chair.

  19. #19
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Tampa
    Posts
    1,899

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    Quote Originally Posted by brad225 View Post
    Any number of family members think I have a screw loose.
    Loose screws by Norman Koren
    Age old issue it seems...

    cheers,

    AJ

  20. #20
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    Cleveland, Ohio, USA
    Posts
    530

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    It's interesting that the less sense an idea makes, the more some audiophiles want to believe it.

  21. #21
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    SE Pa
    Posts
    2,029

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    Quote Originally Posted by Speedskater View Post
    It's interesting that the less sense an idea makes, the more some audiophiles want to believe it.
    I've chuckled at that notion for years ........

    Good luck to the Browns this coming weekend !
    Cheers ! …. Dave

  22. #22

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    Quote Originally Posted by AJ Soundfield View Post
    Loose screws by Norman Koren
    Age old issue it seems...

    cheers,

    AJ
    Ha! Nice article, sure brings back a lot of memories. Thanks for the good laugh.

  23. #23

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    I have been thinking about buying a new power conditioner. During my research I found that the Shunyata Denali has vibration mats attached to the inside of the covers. There is a video on their website that talks about it. They probably wouldn't add them if they don't feel they were needed. Typically, adding damping to a chassis tends to smooth the highs a bit. Short story.....Many years ago I purchased a Kyocera CD player. After a few weeks of having it I opened it up to look inside. They had a big bar of steel bolted to the bottom of the chassis. I am pretty sure it was done to make it heavier, not for sound quality. It worked as it was heavier than the other one I was looking at...lol.

  24. #24
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Location
    San Jose, CA
    Posts
    455

    Re: I'm Puzzled

    FWIW, steel is a good electromagnetic shield, and it may have also provided some form of chassis ground depending on how it was used and how the rest of the chassis was constructed.
    Neko Audio
    Authorized Dealer: AC Infinity, APC, Audeze, Bryston, Devialet, Elite HTS, Fortress Seating, JMF Audio, JVC, Kaleidescape, LG, LUMIN, Magico, Ortofon, RME, Samsung, Soulution, STAX, Trinnov, Vivid Audio, Weiss & more.

AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.

AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.

The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.

At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.

We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!

Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com

Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.

Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team

I'm Puzzled

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •