Specifically, let's talk about AC receptacles, probably one of the most cost effective upgrades one can make to their audio system.
There are a number of excellent reasons for changing your outlets. First, if you live in an older building, apt, cave, etc. those 50 cent receptacles have been in the walls for years. You can draw your own conclusion from that! I can pretty much guarantee that if you take these receptacles out of the wall, they will literally crumble in your hands. Then you will see that these receptacles are corroded, pitted and arced. (note: if not comfortable with doing this work, I strongly suggest the use of an licensed electrician to carry out the work).
Second, is the use of ferromagnetic materials eg. nickel, that add distortion to the sound (see the work of Jung and Curl on capacitors). In fact, take a magnet to all your connections, cap leads, etc. and see if they are ferromagnetic.
Third is how well the receptacle grips the cord. Just take a look at how much your heavier AC cords droop at the wall
Fourth, and ultimately the final arbitrar is the sound improvement. After changing receptacles, one will hear a lowered noise floor, lowered distortion, better low frequencies and soundstaging. But one must let the receptacles burn in for a while (put a light in the socket); until then, like putting in dedicated AC lines, the system will be a bit edgy (yes, edgy is like pregnant; either you are or you aren't!).
So what is everyone using for an AC receptacle nowadays?
There are a number of excellent reasons for changing your outlets. First, if you live in an older building, apt, cave, etc. those 50 cent receptacles have been in the walls for years. You can draw your own conclusion from that! I can pretty much guarantee that if you take these receptacles out of the wall, they will literally crumble in your hands. Then you will see that these receptacles are corroded, pitted and arced. (note: if not comfortable with doing this work, I strongly suggest the use of an licensed electrician to carry out the work).
Second, is the use of ferromagnetic materials eg. nickel, that add distortion to the sound (see the work of Jung and Curl on capacitors). In fact, take a magnet to all your connections, cap leads, etc. and see if they are ferromagnetic.
Third is how well the receptacle grips the cord. Just take a look at how much your heavier AC cords droop at the wall
Fourth, and ultimately the final arbitrar is the sound improvement. After changing receptacles, one will hear a lowered noise floor, lowered distortion, better low frequencies and soundstaging. But one must let the receptacles burn in for a while (put a light in the socket); until then, like putting in dedicated AC lines, the system will be a bit edgy (yes, edgy is like pregnant; either you are or you aren't!).
So what is everyone using for an AC receptacle nowadays?