View Full Version : Mains Distro Blocks - Possible Bargains?
Was out doing a bit of Xmas pressy shopping last night and wandered into our local Comet store.
Yeah, I know ... anyway, thought I should share this with all (UK based) Artistes.
Mains power distribution blocks are perhaps the least sexy topic in hi-fi, but I bet several people use them. You'll need to act quickly if you want to do anything about this (http://storage.comet.co.uk/www/splas...e_closures.htm) but they are clearing out various Monster branded surge protection blocks.
I bought a 6 way unit for £24, as opposed to the marked price of £75 - there were still a few of them left, as well as various other units.
Feel kind of guilty taking advantage of other people's impending redundancy like this, but c'est la vie ... and if passing this info on is useful to you guys ...
A few on ebay, this one for example: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Monster-Po...item3f1ff8eff8
Both of your posted links go nowhere Rob :scratch:
Hi Rob,
If you're looking for an 'audiophile-designed' mains distribution block (and if you've got a good hi-fi system, you should be), as opposed to simply a tarted-up 'B&Q-style' power strip, which will do your system little sonic favours, then the best performing and most nicely constructed one, without question, is Mark Grant's 6-way one, shown here:
http://markgrantcables.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=45_59&products_id=193
That's what many others and I use, and it's fab! :)
Marco.
icehockeyboy
15-12-2012, 12:48
Hi Rob,
If you're looking for an 'audiophile-designed' mains distribution block (and if you've got a good hi-fi system, you should be), as opposed to simply a tarted-up 'B&Q-style' power strip, which will do your system little sonic favours, then the best performing and most nicely constructed one, without question, is Mark Grant's 6-way one, shown here:
http://markgrantcables.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=45_59&products_id=193
That's what many others and I use, and it's fab! :)
Marco.
With all due respect, there is a motorway difference in price!
And yes, I do appreciate it is a fab bit of kit, but its 8 times the price of the Monster one.
Both of your posted links go nowhere Rob :scratch:
Just checked this: sorry guys! The last of the Comet stores close on 18 December, my first link showed the closure dates of their remaining stores. If interested, then a quick search should tell all about the situation local to you.
The ebay link: the auction has been removed, presumably vendor has sold out now?
Hi Rob,
If you're looking for an 'audiophile-designed' mains distribution block (and if you've got a good hi-fi system, you should be), as opposed to simply a tarted-up 'B&Q-style' power strip, which will do your system little sonic favours, then the best performing and most nicely constructed one, without question, is Mark Grant's 6-way one, shown here:
http://markgrantcables.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=45_59&products_id=193
That's what many others and I use, and it's fab! :)
Marco.
Cheers Marco - I'll admit to being a bit of a cynic about cables in general, although I'm starting to experiment a bit ... hence a £24 "dip a toe in the water" exercise seemed reasonable.
I've previously built a few basic main distro blocks, but they've always cost more in parts than £24 AND not had any surge suppression fitted.
In no way belittling Mark's unit or doubting what it does for you or your system, but Craig's nailed it - the price difference is huge!
Wakefield Turntables
15-12-2012, 13:27
Hmmm I think I need to d my toe into a mark grant distribution block:cool:
jandl100
17-12-2012, 07:00
I agree with Marco that mains filtering blocks can seriously fook up the sound.
Those MG blocks look the biz - I use a Pro-Ject Connect block like this (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pro-ject-Connect-IT-Power-Strip-Mains-Block-10A-6-Way-/230898517092?pt=UK_Computing_Sound_Vision_Audio_Ca bles_Adapters&hash=item35c29fc464). You can also get a 4 way version. No filters or 'protection', it just splits the power feed to separate outlets without fooking about with it.
I was happily using a normal but decent Belkin 'surge protected' distro block but thought I'd try the 'pure signal path' approach of the ProJect (and I am sure the MG). I was genuinely shocked at the improvement in sound quality - it wasn't at all subtle! The ProJect block has the advantage (?) of having an IEC input socket rather than a captive lead, so you can use the audiofoo lead of your choice to connect to it. :)
I think the price of the 6-way ProJect block is £169 (the 4-way is £109) - you then have to add the cost of the mains lead going in to it - so in value terms the MG looks pretty good to me. But you are restricted to MG cable for the input lead - which many folk would not consider a hardship! ;)
The most I have paid for a distro block was just under 100 quid from MCRU (an oak bodied unit sporting silver plated, 2 way mains sockets, Belden 19364 shielded mains cable and a silver plated MK mains plug). This was absolutely necessary to double up on the single socket I have available to me after my landlord refused to allow me to make any modifications to the mains sockets in the house. I have to say the product is supremely well constructed and performed exactly as promised.
Wakefield Turntables
17-12-2012, 10:43
+1 with regards to mains filtration systems, they screw up your sound. I had a Isotek unit costing several grand, I convinced myself the system sounded better but after a week of comparison without it I realised I was loosing one hell of a lot of detail. I'm debating how to manage my power supply next year, I don't know if I should modify the house supply and go down the mg distribution block or just simply get a ps audio p10 :scratch:
RobbieGong
17-12-2012, 13:11
I agree with Marco that mains filtering blocks can seriously fook up the sound.Those MG blocks look the biz - I use a Pro-Ject Connect block like this (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pro-ject-Connect-IT-Power-Strip-Mains-Block-10A-6-Way-/230898517092?pt=UK_Computing_Sound_Vision_Audio_Ca bles_Adapters&hash=item35c29fc464). You can also get a 4 way version. No filters or 'protection', it just splits the power feed to separate outlets without fooking about with it.
I was happily using a normal but decent Belkin 'surge protected' distro block but thought I'd try the 'pure signal path' approach of the ProJect (and I am sure the MG). I was genuinely shocked at the improvement in sound quality - it wasn't at all subtle! The ProJect block has the advantage (?) of having an IEC input socket rather than a captive lead, so you can use the audiofoo lead of your choice to connect to it. :)
I think the price of the 6-way ProJect block is £169 (the 4-way is £109) - you then have to add the cost of the mains lead going in to it - so in value terms the MG looks pretty good to me. But you are restricted to MG cable for the input lead - which many folk would not consider a hardship! ;)
Is the Tacima a mains filtering block ?
RobbieGong
17-12-2012, 15:15
Yes it is Robert ;)
Oh feck !! Is there anything out there (non filtering) that is sensibly priced like the Tacima that is worth checking out for comparison ?
I found the Tacima to be pretty good for what it is, although I wouldn't recommend you plug an amp into one. Your best bet would be to pick up an appropriate length of Belden 19364 mains cable and a silver plated MK mains plug from Dave at MCRU or else from ebay plus a good quality mains block and then build your own, it will be cheaper ;)
RobbieGong
17-12-2012, 17:32
I found the Tacima to be pretty good for what it is, although I wouldn't recommend you plug an amp into one. Your best bet would be to pick up an appropriate length of Belden 19364 mains cable and a silver plated MK mains plug from Dave at MCRU or else from ebay plus a good quality mains block and then build your own, it will be cheaper ;)
Hi Dave, Think I'll stick with the Tacima and place amp in a socket of it's own ( I think I was doing this anyway before my amp failed and I dismantled system for decorating duty. ) System will be up and running soon. I'm looking to get some AMR audiophile fuses which apparently work well on the mains block power cable (ie Tacima). I'll put one in the amp and cd etc and see.
Richard Kimber
17-12-2012, 17:43
Is the Tacima a mains filtering block ?
It got good reviews. In what way does it screw up the sound?
- Richard
Hi Rob.
Cheers Marco - I'll admit to being a bit of a cynic about cables in general, although I'm starting to experiment a bit ... hence a £24 "dip a toe in the water" exercise seemed reasonable.
I've previously built a few basic main distro blocks, but they've always cost more in parts than £24 AND not had any surge suppression fitted.
First of all, avoid any mains block with surge supression like the plague, as it will seriously degrade the performance of any audio equipment you plug into it!!! :no: :nono: :nono:
I totally understand if you don't want to shell out on an MG block, therefore, I would highly recommend these Multiway Plugs, from Farnell: http://cpc.farnell.com/1/1/12815-multiway-plug-13amp-p41-permaplug.html
Nice and simple, well made, and contains nothing that you don't need. Just hard-wire the mains leads of your kit into one (or two) of them, and it's job done. Those will sonically outperform any cheapo mains blocks and crap out there, fitted with surge protection, trust me! :trust:
Marco.
RobbieGong
17-12-2012, 22:19
Hi Rob.
First of all, avoid any mains block with surge supression like the plague, as it will seriously degrade the performance of any audio equipment you plug into it!!! :no: :nono: :nono:
I totally understand if you don't want to shell out on an MG block, therefore, I would highly recommend these Multiway Plugs, from Farnell: http://cpc.farnell.com/1/1/12815-multiway-plug-13amp-p41-permaplug.html
Nice and simple, well made, and contains nothing that you don't need. Just hard-wire the mains leads of your kit into one (or two) of them, and it's job done. Those will sonically outperform any cheapo mains blocks and crap out there, fitted with surge protection, trust me! :trust:
Marco.
Very interesting Marco. So you'd have these over the Tacima ? I like the simplistic look and approach very much - Didn't even know they existed. Obviously if a bit of kit had to be plugged out for sonme reason (transporting or repair I take it that it would be just a case of unwiring that items lead from the plug) I also like the fact that it would eliminate the need for numerous audiophile fuses (one per piece of kit) as just one per plug is all that would be needed - All very interesting !
If you are going to go with Marco's suggestion (which is an excellent solution by the way) then again I would argue that it is best to use it just for your sources and ancillaries rather than your amps ;)
icehockeyboy
18-12-2012, 13:00
I personally didn't find any degradation in SQ by taking my amp out of a Tacima, when I had one, and plugged it straight into a wall socket.
Ditto with The Belkin.
icehockeyboy
18-12-2012, 13:03
It got good reviews. In what way does it screw up the sound?
- Richard
Didn't screw up my sound!
I use one of these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tacima-Conditioner-Frequency-Interference-Filter/dp/B000PS5700
(http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tacima-Conditioner-Frequency-Interference-Filter/dp/B000PS5700)
I compared it with an ordinary 6 way unit and it was MUCH better as it stripped out some noise that the fridge motor seemed to be dumping back into the mains.
No difference in detail at all, but a reduction in some ground loop problems I used to have. For the money it was a no-brainer.
seoirse2002
20-12-2012, 19:08
Im still using a "safe block" that I acquired from my friend who worked at a hi fi shop.They used them all the time as they are so useful when changing gear around. Its a hinged block that is fused,and inside with three spring loaded clips for earth,live and neutral....no plugs involved just use the bare wires under the corresponding spring clip. The block only works when closed,so just lifting the lid disconnects everything from the mains. It will take 4-6 leads comfortably...wish I had more of them,very handy:cool:
icehockeyboy
20-12-2012, 22:30
Im still using a "safe block" that I acquired from my friend who worked at a hi fi shop.They used them all the time as they are so useful when changing gear around. Its a hinged block that is fused,and inside with three spring loaded clips for earth,live and neutral....no plugs involved just use the bare wires under the corresponding spring clip. The block only works when closed,so just lifting the lid disconnects everything from the mains. It will take 4-6 leads comfortably...wish I had more of them,very handy:cool:
That brings back memories of my time in Dixons and the Hifi shops I worked in in the early.....erm...........part of my retail career!
Mmm I have some plugs that don't come off their leads (ie they don't unscrew) so that four way plug (marco showed us) won't do it for me. What about a standard three way plug - you know the biggish plugs that you can plug three plugs into. Will that be better than a cheapish conditioner?
(That's by far the most times I've ever used the word plug in one paragraph. Sad b*st*rd).
Mmm I have some plugs that don't come off their leads (ie they don't unscrew) so that four way plug (marco showed us) won't do it for me. What about a standard three way plug - you know the biggish plugs that you can plug three plugs into. Will that be better than a cheapish conditioner?
(That's by far the most times I've ever used the word plug in one paragraph. Sad b*st*rd).
No mate, they are useless as an audiophile product, the multiway plug our glorious leader showed you is near enough star earthed so would have been brilliant. Pity you cannot utilize one.
how about this?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUDIO-FRIENDLY-6-Way-Mains-Block-Silver-Plug-2-metre-Audiophile-High-End-Hifi-/221035797140?pt=UK_Computing_Sound_Vision_Power_Ca bles_Connectors&hash=item3376c29a94
No mate, they are useless as an audiophile product,
Thought that'd be the case. It's your leads I'm using, so don't want to start cutting them up.
Rare Bird
22-12-2012, 17:10
I bought one of these a few years ago, stripped it out, refinished it in black, re-wired with high quality sheilded mains cable & plug..never looked back. I originally removed the neon indicator but decided to re fit it as it made no difference to SQ imho with or without it..
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OLSON-6-Plug-Power-Distribution-Strip-13A-5Metres-/300834841535?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Suppl ies_ET&hash=item460b2763bf
Thought that'd be the case. It's your leads I'm using, so don't want to start cutting them up.
If it's the belden cable you are using on your mains leads then this matches them well, the internal rails are silver plated.
http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt309/themainsman/ALL%20MCRU%20POWER%20LEADS/audiophile-mains-block-silver-plated_zpsf8322200.jpg
(http://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/mains-extention-products/279-audiophile-mains-block-silver-plated.html)
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