My Audio and Jazz History – "Socket Outlet & Outlet Base" – By Kenji Kondo (No. 25. July 29) I have been enthusiastic recently especially about audio accessories to get my favorite tones as much as possible. I seem to be deeply absorbed in the seeking to the extent thatI cannot help but do so. This time too I have introduced the socket outlet (WATTGATE 381) and the outlet base (the ACOUSTIC REVIVE CB-1HB) that supports the outlet. As audio accessory enthusiasts may have already known, the tones change depending upon the kind of the socket outlet. |
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We have already confirmed that the quality of the socket outlet plays an important role. More than thirty kinds of socket outlets for audio use are currently released in the market. There is a type of socket outlets that have employed rhodium plating on the electrodes as the improved tone grade such as the audio grade or hospital grade, while there is a type of socket outlets that have had the material improved by cryogenic processing in liquid nitrogen. This time I have used the WATTGATE 381, a high-class socket outlet that was developed for audio equipment, as I previously decided. It has letters on its gray face that read "Audio Grade" and non-magnetic gold-plated frame. In addition, it has a top-flight touch like a king. The electrodes are plated in three layers. The metal fixtures are also non-magnetic but have a super-strong grip. |
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These are the audio grade connector and socket outlet superior to the hospital grade. The multiple-point close connection enables the electric transmission of higher purity. First, I listened to "In Flux/Ravi Coltrane" COCB-53342 using the WATTGATE 381. Ravi's rich tones on the tenor saxophone have a feature of energetic balance like the full range of 38cm caliber, while its powerful low range offers a strong action and dynamic feeling with clear damping. The tones have unique sensitiveness and richness, which let us feel the refinement of the sound. It offers soft and smooth sound and the deep mid-range sound, while it expresses the thick volume of bass instruments slowly. The high range sound is moderately kept like a thin and clear-cut tone. |
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I have connected the powerful and latest ACOUSTIC REVIVE outlet base CB-1HB with the WATTGATE 381. Previously the wall was fitted with the socket outlet with the thin wall materials in-between. That is to say, the thin gypsum board and/or plywood support the socket outlet and as a result, the fitting strength was not enough and the tones were directly affected by tremors and were badly damaged. The outlet base CB-1HB solves these problems. |
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The CB-1HB is inserted between the socket outlet and the wall, restrain quickly the tremors by strengthening the socket outlet, and enhance the tones dramatically . In addition, this new outlet base CB-1HB is added with the 3mm-thick brass, which has improved the energy density. The outlet base CB-1HB uses 2017 aluminum alloy of the aeronautic grade that is currently the best material for sounding. The 2017 aluminum alloy of the aeronautic grade is the material called ultra-duralumin containing much copper, and allows the sound equipment to offer very clear sound. The 7075 material, which contains much zinc and has high strength, is also included in the aluminum alloy of the aeronautic grade. But the strength and hardness of the 7075 is not necessarily excellent in tones and restraining tremors. It is said that they have employed the 2017 aluminum alloy of the aeronautic grade, which is considered as the most excellent in sounding, for the ACOUSTIC REVIVE models after trying all the aluminum alloys and metals and other materials. When I listened to "Blue Train/Kasten Dahl" MMEX-104 using the WATTGATE 381 and the CB-1HB, the combination offered the more dynamic feeling of the mid-range and bass of the piano, quicker response, high S/N ratio of clear and sensitive overtones, and high resolution. Additionally, it offered clear and beautiful tone color data. The thick and dynamic feeling of jazz bass of high energy density increased and the low range sounded better. I was attracted by the expressiveness. Many of the outlet bases have been released recently and each of them has merit and demerit. But first of all, if ever you have fitted it on your wall, you will be surprised at drastic change of tones. Let's try your favorite outlet base so that you will find out which is the best for your sound system. (Note: The qualification as an electrician is necessary to exchange your outlets.) |
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Information from the Editorial Staff Get a CD album "In Flux" by Ravi Coltrane recommended by Kon & Cappu, which I listened to. For details, look at the following website: http://www.hifido.co.jp/merumaga/koncappu/050729/indexe.html |