Quantum Science Audio
QSA AC Receptacles
The outlet in your wall is the last link in your system's power chain, and usually the cheapest part in it. QSA takes a standard consumer-grade receptacle and applies its proprietary treatment before it ships. The housing is intentional; the treatment is the point.
An ordinary outlet, treated.
The Design
QSA says its treatment, which it calls MMMAT and MAT, makes electron flow through the metal more efficient. QSA keeps the process to itself, so we judge it the way Stereo Times' Clement Perry says he does: by listening. Levels climb from Yellow through Violet, Red, Black/Red, and Ultra Black/Red to Gold, Crystal Gold Red, and ULTRA Crystal Gold Red.
Our impressions of the ladder: Yellow is the entry point and a worthwhile step; Violet is more natural and musical; Red is where the QSA character becomes unmistakable; Black/Red steps up image density and resolution; Gold is QSA's reference level. Choose the level your system calls for rather than defaulting to the highest you can afford.
Want the full level-by-level breakdown, including where the biggest leap happens and which level suits a warm-sounding system? Read our QSA color levels guide.
Our Experience
QSA receptacles have been in our reference system for years, currently a QSA Gold receptacle on a QSA Gold 20 amp breaker. In our system the improvement over a standard outlet is clear, and so is the improvement over premium audiophile outlets with machined housings and treated contacts.
Where It Fits
Install it as a standard outlet replacement, ideally on the dedicated circuit that feeds your system, and hire a licensed electrician if you're new to AC wiring. It pairs naturally with a QSA breaker on the same circuit. QSA receptacles are made to order, so they are special order and non-returnable; a trade-up program credits what you've paid toward a higher level.
Press Recognition
- Stereo Times, Clement Perry (2021), in his review of the QSA fuses, singled out QSA's Black/Red Ultra AC duplex as an exciting companion to the fuses, and named QSA his Most Wanted Component for 2021. Read the review at Stereo Times
Unsure which level to start with, or how the receptacle fits with QSA breakers and fuses in your system? Give us a call, and we'll give you an honest recommendation.
Specifications
- Housing: Standard consumer-grade outlet
- Treatment: QSA proprietary
- Levels: Yellow, Violet, Red, Black/Red, Ultra Black/Red, Gold, Crystal Gold Red, ULTRA Crystal Gold Red
- Installation: Standard outlet replacement
- Ordering: Special order; non-returnable; trade-up program available
