posh mains sockets

[Covenant]

Has anybody noticed an improvement in SQ when using a silver plated or otherwise upmarket mains socket?

[Covenant]

Well...I shall take that as a no!

[realysm42]

I can't see why you wouldn't; I've no experience with them personally, but after upgrading my mains distribution block (all silver plated where it counts) and power leads, there was a sizeable jump in audio quality.

[Marco]

Hi Jerry,


Has anybody noticed an improvement in SQ when using a silver plated or otherwise upmarket mains socket?

Yes - and how! My mains distribution block and filter are fitted with single versions of these Furutech mains sockets:

http://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/mains-wall-sockets/198-furutech-fp-1363d-uk-wall-socket.html

In the type of system I'm running, you can clearly hear the difference with them over 'bog standard' sockets.

Marco.

[Covenant]

I have reasonable quality mains cables and connect my amp directly with everything else going through a Tacima block. It struck me that replacing the double switched socket might be of benefit.

[Covenant]

Ermm a tad more than I was thinking of paying:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130442371857&clk_rvr_id=317659405216&mfe=sidebar

[snuffbox]

A more satisfactory way of improving the sound I've found is to clean the plug pins with a tiny smidge of alchohol,just dampen a cloth wipe pins,replace plug,put on music,sit down drink rest of glass,replenish glass when empty,enjoy music,simples:)

[Marco]

Ermm a tad more than I was thinking of paying:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130442371857&clk_rvr_id=317659405216&mfe=sidebar

Lol... It can't do any harm.

My advice, however, would be to always use single un-switched sockets, as double sockets share the incoming earth. Therefore, the L/H socket (which the earth is normally connected to first) usually ends up sounding best, which in turn leaves the other side redundant...

Does the company you've linked to on eBay sell the same sockets, but in single versions instead? :)

Marco.

[realysm42]

Lol... It can't do any harm.

Therefore, the L/H socket (which the earth is normally connected to first) usually ends up sounding best, which in turn leaves the other side redundant...

Marco.

Left hand?

[Marco]

Yup: the left-hand side of a double wall socket.

As a free tweak, if you use double wall sockets, try plugging all your primary source components into the left hand side, and your secondary sources and amps, or 'less important' kit, into the other side, and see if you can hear a difference ;)

If the wall sockets are switched, then switch off and unplug any non-essential kit connected to the R/H side of the socket, leaving only what's necessary plugged into the left, and switched on.

It's all to do with lowering impedance and contact resistance. Switched sockets have higher levels of both, due to their extra connections, as do double sockets, compared with single ones :)

Marco.

[realysm42]

Cheers, I run a maind distribution cable from my wall socket, so all of my plugs go direct into that.

By sheer chance, it's been plugged into the left hand side one.

I might have to get one of those Futuretech badboys you know...

[StanleyB]

The biggest improvement to be had from a mains socket or mains distribution block is to disconnect the neon indicator.

[Covenant]

Nice idea about the single socket but it's a double behind the hifi and I don't think you can stick two singles where a double used to be.

[Artifolk]

Silver plated single sockets from Missing Link.

http://http://www.the-missing-link.net/new_page_1.htm (http://www.the-missing-link.net/new_page_1.htm)

[Marco]

Nice idea about the single socket but it's a double behind the hifi and I don't think you can stick two singles where a double used to be.

You can if you fill the existing hole and start again further along! ;)

Marco.

[Covenant]

You can if you fill the existing hole and start again further along! ;)

Marco.

Not with my missus you can't!

[Covenant]

Silver plated single sockets from Missing Link.

http://http://www.the-missing-link.net/new_page_1.htm (http://www.the-missing-link.net/new_page_1.htm)

I get the impression that they are much better quality than the ones I linked to.

[Marco]

Not with my missus you can't!


Lol... Surely it'd be ok if the job was done right?

Marco.

[Covenant]

Lol... Surely it'd be ok if the job was done right?

Marco.

I have big plans for my little music room Marco including taking up the ceramic tiled floor and replacing with wood boards but I know if I mention it I will get a list of things that need doing first. So just at the moment I will hold off on anything that involves diy.:lol:

[Marco]

Lol - cool. If I were you then, I would include using some quality single wall sockets into your big plans! ;)

Marco.

[MCRU]

These are very good single sockets (http://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/mains-wall-sockets/212-isoclean-rft-13-gold-plated-wall-socket.html), exceptionally good in fact.

http://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/212-361-large/isoclean-rft-13-gold-plated-wall-socket.jpg

[Rare Bird]

It's cost me an arm & a leg just about to swap all our white switches, sockets & roof fittings for chrome plated ones..I'm sure they are just fine now

:)

[hifinutt]

Has anybody noticed an improvement in SQ when using a silver plated or otherwise upmarket mains socket?

yes i have and the plugs grip like hell .. using a furutech mains socket. much better contact and even with stiff cable they don`t fall out

[hifinutt]

do they do a double isoclear ?