cruzeFIRST Audio Maestro Outlet
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After careful examination of the different offerings on the market, and based on numerous reviews and testimonies, I went with the cruzeFIRST Audio Maestro outlets. I ordered two and they will be replacing one Shunyata SR-Z1 and one standard Leviton 20A duplex.
Currently, my Yamaha CA-1000 amplifier and Bryston BDP-2 are plugged into the SR-Z1, and the Bryston BDA-3 is plugged into the Leviton. I wanted to achieve a bit of consistency in sound by starting with the outlets. Among the models I considered are the Synergistic Research Blue outlet but at 285$ each I decided against it no matter how good it is supposed to be. Also the Furutech GTX-D but after reading many reviews it seems that it is on the lean side and that it may not synergize well with my equipment and taste. The Maestro is reported to sound clean and natural and this is what has been the deciding factors. I believe it will match well with my equipment. I should receive them early next week so I will report my finding after installation and critical listening about how they perform in my environment. |
Your on your way, have fun!
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Please let us know how the sound is different vs the Shunyata and Leviton after they burn in a bit. Good luck! |
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I received both my Maestro oulets this morning and they are already installed. No procrastinating here :yes: I am listening to my system thru them as I type this. See pictures attached. As you suggested I will give my system (and myself) time to acclimate to the change before giving my impressions of the sound. But I can give my impressions of the material itself; comparing to the Shunyata SR-Z1, the Maestro doesn't give the feeling of a high end component. It is smaller in width and overall depth as you can see (Maestro is black on the left, the SR-Z1 on the right). Materials used - only for the look of it - for the Maestro are similar to any outlet you can find in a hardware store. I mean, they are not substantials with thick plates, chrome plating and such like the Furutech GTX-D. It's what inside and the treatments applied that matters I guess here. The Maestro is heavier than my standard Leviton outlet, but definately less than my SR-Z1. It's probably intended this way as part of the design because some designers believe in "less is more". I was often indicated by experienced techs and audiophiles that the less mass is better for better flow of current and ultimately better sound (think speaker binding posts, like Naim amplifiers). I give benefit of the doubt here. The duplexes have very good grip as it was a tight fit when inserting the cables. This definately feels quality and it's a good thing to maximize contact with the prongs. Right off the bat I can perceive some changes but I will have to wait to listen at higher volume to have a better idea (kids are sleeping!) |
Interesting visual comparison. On some other forums, The Maestro is said to be based on a basic Cooper outlet and then customized in some way.
I'm looking forward to a comparison to the Shunyata when you get around to it. Thanks for the update! |
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This hobby is all about experiences, trial and errors to find one's musical holy grail. In my case, I think I just dicovered that I prefer a warmer sound than absolute neutrality. I remember when I inserted a Synergistic Blue fuse in my Yamaha CA-1000, I really enjoyed the fuller sound, that deep base impact it brought. With the Maestro, it is kind of gone. In exchange, a more clean sound and maybe tighter base. As I said, I will give more time on the Maestro but eventually I will re-insert the SR-Z1 to confirm my findings. I was informed by Ivan that the Shunyata CopperCONN outlet is available for purchase separately. I would be very curious to try that one, especially if it follows on the SR-Z1. Very little information is available though so I think the only way to know if I would like it, would be to buy one and try for myself. Edit: I suggest anyone interested in the Maestro to read this comparison: http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazin...ac_outlets.htm The SR-Z1 being essentially a Hubbell, you can have a reference point with this review. I re-read at least 5 times these reviews and my conclusions are pretty in line with their findings. |
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Thanks for the update on the outlets! From your description, the Shunyata SR-Z1 seems to be an outlet I'd like to hear. I tend to like a warmer, richer, midrange because that's what sounds natural to me. Of course if any info on the Copperconn outlet comes to light, that would be valuable, too. Is it certain that the CopperCONN is a different duplex than the SR-Z1? The Shunyata website still reads that the "SR-Z1 outlets provide a critical contribution toward the award-winning performance of Shunyata’s power-distribution products." It also reads that "This is the same AC outlet used in HYDRA TRITON." I use or have used Furutech GTX-D (gold), GTX-D (rhodium), Audience Hidden Treasure, and Audioquest Edison duplexes. All have their own character, and there are attributes of a couple I wish could be combined into a single duplex. |
What's next? Audiophile grade romex, circuit breakers, and panels?
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