New mains sockets

[The Black Adder]

Hi all.

I've been thinking of replacing my switched double socket with a decent quality un-switched one. Can anyone recommend one?

Done some digging with MK and Crabtree being the best but not the most recent ones as it looks like they have gone cheap with the internal connection thingies.

Of course there are the rather silly priced sockets which I won't entertain.

Any help would be great.
Thanks
Jo

[Marco]

Hi Jo,

Without doubt, the best sound-per-pound option is The Missing Link EPS-100 Ultrapure Silver plated (un-switched) wall sockets, shown here (£30): http://www.the-missing-link.net/prod02.htm

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/907/XdILe9.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p7XdILe9j)


If you scroll down, you'll see some measurable proof (although exactly how accurate this is, I don't know) of their sockets having considerably lower contact resistance than bog standard generic sockets from B&Q, or whatever, and even supposedly high-quality ones from MK. On the left is the measurement from the Missing Link socket, and on the right, one from from MK:


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/905/KVWtCf.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p5KVWtCfj) http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/908/etqsrr.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p8etqsrrj)


I've carried out those sorts of measurements before, with my friendly electrician, when we were optimising my mains set-up, and trust me you can hear the sonic improvements of lowered contact resistance!

Right down at the bottom of the page are prices, which I consider are very reasonable (considerably less than the Furutech stuff). I would also go for the matching 13A plugs, which are likely to be a good physical fit with the partnering wall sockets.

Hope this helps :cool:

Marco.

[Ali Tait]

You could swap for round pin versions, though you'd also need to change the plugs obviously. Better contact and gets rid of fuses too.

[Marco]

Yeah, and I agree. Not sure, though, that Jo will want to go to the bother of changing all his plugs. What I suggested was simply what experience has shown me to be the best value modern 13A mains socket for 'hi-fi purposes' :)

Marco.

[Ali Tait]

Aye, but we're only talking one double socket and a max of two plugs..

[The Black Adder]

Thanks, Marco. I've just had a peek.

They look like just the ticket. Very interesting regarding the readings of both plugs. I would have never thought that as I thought the switch was the problem more than anything.

Thanks, Ali. I have thought of using the round pin versions before and are still an option. I don't mind changing my plugs to round pin for that one double plug. I was going to change the other plugs to either round pin or Schuko anyway.

Do you know which of those round pin sockets are the best too. Does anyone do audio grade ones?

[Marco]

To my knowledge, no-one did 'audio-grade' ones, as round-pin plugs and sockets were replaced with what we have now long before anyone with a hi-fi system would've considered such things as important. I doubt that many (if any at all) are produced these days, of any description.

Besides, you don't need 'audio-grade' versions, as (aside from the lack of fuse) the benefits come from the plugs and sockets being 15A, and so have a heavier duty overall construction (pins are thicker), thus allowing the plugs and sockets to 'mate' together much more securely than the 13A versions we have now. Try pulling apart both sets of plugs, and you'll see what I mean! ;)

Brian (of Klotz cables fame here) was selling some nice MK round-pin plugs and sockets a few weeks ago, but I think they're been snapped up now. If you want to go the round-pin route, ebay or some local car boots/antique shops would be your best bet :)

Marco.

[Ali Tait]

You can buy them at B & Q, they are still made.

[Marco]

I see... Didn't know that, mate. Never seen them (certainly 15A) in B&Q round my way.

Marco.

[brian2957]

Yup , sold them all to one of the troops as I had decided to go in another direction . These round pin plugs come in 2A , 5A and 15A versions and they are all different sizes , so make sure you get the 15A plugs and sockets . They are quite difficult to come by but can be found on Ebay if you take the time to look .

[The Black Adder]

Nice one, thanks Brian. I was tempted with the ones you had but I really needed a double socket.

[Tarzan]

Nice one, thanks Brian. I was tempted with the ones you had but I really needed a double socket.


Would be interested to hear your thoughts on the sockets Josie.:popcorn:

[Marco]

Nice one, thanks Brian. I was tempted with the ones you had but I really needed a double socket.

Two singles are better than a double, as both will have separate earth inlets, rather than sharing one (in a double socket), resulting in the side of the socket that doesn't have the earth inlet nearest, sounding slightly worse than the other...

However, I understand that if you've got a back box, for a double socket, cut out in your wall already, it's a bit of a ball-ache fitting single ones. Still, if you want to dot all the I's and cross all the T's... ;)

Marco.

[brian2957]

Nice one, thanks Brian. I was tempted with the ones you had but I really needed a double socket.

Not a problem Jo :) In my search for these sockets I was never able to find a double 15A socket so I just had to buy singles instead . I'm not even sure if they come in double sockets TBH .

[The Black Adder]

Ah... that seems to make sense. I can't find double sockets either.

[Alan D]

15A and 3A round pin plugs and sockets are still used for "stage lighting rigs" most school halls use a system that patches high level 15A sockets on lighting bars to dimmer racks. In this application, each dimmer channel has an output fuse, as there is no fuse in the plug. If you were to use them in the home you would need to be aware of the maximum current rating of the appliance mains lead and possibly de-rate the fuse / MCB / RCBO in your consumer unit accordingly. I have only ever seen single sockets and they are available from electrical wholesalers and stage lighting companies.

[The Black Adder]

Thanks for the info, Alan.

Does anyone know if you can get 15amp double sockets?

[RobbieGong]

Hi Jo,

Without doubt, the best sound-per-pound option is The Missing Link EPS-100 Ultrapure Silver plated (un-switched) wall sockets, shown here (£30): http://www.the-missing-link.net/prod02.htm

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/907/XdILe9.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p7XdILe9j)


If you scroll down, you'll see some measurable proof (although exactly how accurate this is, I don't know) of their sockets having considerably lower contact resistance than bog standard generic sockets from B&Q, or whatever, and even supposedly high-quality ones from MK. On the left is the measurement from the Missing Link socket, and on the right, one from from MK:


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/905/KVWtCf.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p5KVWtCfj) http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/908/etqsrr.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p8etqsrrj)


I've carried out those sorts of measurements before, with my friendly electrician, when we were optimising my mains set-up, and trust me you can hear the sonic improvements of lowered contact resistance!

Right down at the bottom of the page are prices, which I consider are very reasonable (considerably less than the Furutech stuff). I would also go for the matching 13A plugs, which are likely to be a good physical fit with the partnering wall sockets.

Hope this helps :cool:

Marco.

Love it !! I don't have a separate dedicated supply on my hifi yet, but the Tacima seems to work well. That said I've always wanted to change the ancient bog standard socket my kit plugs into and this looks (sounds) the ticket - Nice one Marco :thumbsup:

[Marco]

No worries, Rob. If you go for them, let us know how you get on! :)

Marco.

[RobbieGong]

No worries, Rob. If you go for them, let us know how you get on! :)

Marco.

Defo ! :)

[Barry]

The round pin plugs and sockets can only be fitted to a radial line system where each socket is protected by a 15A fuse/circuit breaker. They cannot be used with a ring main as the protection is rated for 30A.

[newtonnjd]

Hi All,

I'm just planning installing a couple of dedicated mains spurs for my audio room, and doing some research on the forum.

The missing link EPS 100 sockets look ideal for the end of the spurs, but I will be mounting them externally on the wall, in series with 6mm2 cable - can anyone who's used them tell me if they'll be okay for that? Is there a similar quality mounting box I'll need to buy separately?

Thanks,
Nick.

[Jimbo]

Hi Josie,

you might find this post of interest?:)

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?36426-Mains-un-switched-socket&highlight=unswitched

[The Black Adder]

Hi James.

Many thanks..! So the silver ones are good then.. that's good to hear. The sockets are still pending so any info is welcome, thanks again! :)

[Barry]

You will of course be using plugs with silver-plated pins. Wouldn't want that Kelvin contact potential between different conductors upsetting things! :lol:

[Jimbo]

You will of course be using plugs with silver-plated pins. Wouldn't want that Kelvin contact potential between different conductors upsetting things! :lol:

You got be worried now Barry!:)

[rikardo1979]

Rounded plugs/sockets are usually used for immersion water heater, installed inside the cabinets, so hence the 15A rating
MK stuff is basically all made in Malaysia, but still consist decent quality. If you go for unswitched version you should have a decent upgrade. Use some electric contact cleaner to spray all contact, so it cleans it nicely and leave a thin film to protect of oxidation.
I did the same with power blocs and power cord I have made recently.
Russ Andrews using MK and redo stuff and charge some £££ on it ;)

[RobbieGong]

Hi Jo,

Without doubt, the best sound-per-pound option is The Missing Link EPS-100 Ultrapure Silver plated (un-switched) wall sockets, shown here (£30): http://www.the-missing-link.net/prod02.htm

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/907/XdILe9.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p7XdILe9j)


If you scroll down, you'll see some measurable proof (although exactly how accurate this is, I don't know) of their sockets having considerably lower contact resistance than bog standard generic sockets from B&Q, or whatever, and even supposedly high-quality ones from MK. On the left is the measurement from the Missing Link socket, and on the right, one from from MK:


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/905/KVWtCf.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p5KVWtCfj) http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/908/etqsrr.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/p8etqsrrj)


I've carried out those sorts of measurements before, with my friendly electrician, when we were optimising my mains set-up, and trust me you can hear the sonic improvements of lowered contact resistance!

Right down at the bottom of the page are prices, which I consider are very reasonable (considerably less than the Furutech stuff). I would also go for the matching 13A plugs, which are likely to be a good physical fit with the partnering wall sockets.

Hope this helps :cool:

Marco.

Can highly recommended these after going with Marco's recommendation a while back. They are simply quality :)

[Barry]

Can highly recommended these after going with Marco's recommendation a while back. They are simply quality :)
I wouldn't trust those measurements - they have probably taken the best case value for the silver-plated socket and the worse case value for the MK socket.

They may claim the test equipment can measure resistances down to 100uOhm, but to do it reliably you have to be a lot more careful when taking a measurement than is shown in the photos.

[newtonnjd]

Barry - even if the test results are marketing fluff, the product itself seems to get good reviews from the people who've used it.. do you think it should be one of the contenders for my dedicated circuit?

[RobbieGong]

I wouldn't trust those measurements - they have probably taken the best case value for the silver-plated socket and the worse case value for the MK socket.

They may claim the test equipment can measure resistances down to 100uOhm, but to do it reliably you have to be a lot more careful when taking a measurement than is shown in the photos.

Measurements played no part in my decision to take a punt. I could just tell these would be quality and they are and not big outlay either. Compared to the ancient, tired, bog standard switched socket I had, this was a no brainer. The plugs are quality too - some things don't need to be over-thought ;)

[Marco]

...some things don't need to be over-thought ;)

Precisely!

K.I.S.S is often the best (and indeed AoS) approach to audio. Let your ears ultimately be the arbiter :)

The only reason I included pictures earlier of the measurements taken, was to show that at least this is one tweak, the efficacy of which has been tested objectively, albeit not conclusively.

Marco.

[CageyH]

How does a small silver contact in a socket make up for the kilometres of copper that the electrons have travelled down to get to your HiFi? Either side it will be copper, and by adding silver you then need a regular maintenance routine to keep them from corroding.

All this for a potential minute gain in sound quality? And who said Audiophiles were a crazy bunch?

[walpurgis]

How does a small silver contact in a socket make up for the kilometres of copper that the electrons have travelled down to get to your HiFi?

By magic! :eyebrows:

[CageyH]

Is it akin to a silver bullet?

[rikardo1979]

Is it akin to a silver bullet?

I would say that every bit you can improve in the chain is a gain ;)
Unfortunately you cannot make power grid better or to upgrade, but you can start at your end..

[Marco]

How does a small silver contact in a socket make up for the kilometres of copper that the electrons have travelled down to get to your HiFi? Either side it will be copper, and by adding silver you then need a regular maintenance routine to keep them from corroding.

All this for a potential minute gain in sound quality? And who said Audiophiles were a crazy bunch?

Well, when I used to use plugs and sockets in my set-up (now mostly hard-wired), I've certainly heard subtle differences between different varieties, and my electrician (who's also into hi-fi) has measured it too, in terms of reduced impedance. There was actually quite a marked difference, in that respect, between some of the sockets we tested! :)

I guess every little counts.... ;)

Marco.

[CageyH]

I'll stick to my quality Schuko stuff. ;)

I really better believe gains can be had elsewhere, but they are probably more expensive to do.

[Marco]

I would say that every bit you can improve in the chain is a gain ;)
Unfortunately you cannot make power grid better or to upgrade, but you can start at your end..

Precisely, Richard! :thumbsup:

Marco.

[CageyH]

Great, I will change 2cm of the 20km mains feed and see a difference?
After that, in 99.9% of cases it goes back into copper, so does it really make a difference?

Let's just say I am not a believer.

[Marco]

That's ok, you're entitled to your opinion, as much as I am to mine :)

Marco.

[newtonnjd]

Marco, my plan is to install a new CU in my audio room then wire it to multiple single unswitched sockets (Not ready to hardwire like you do!)

I'd be interested to know whether you'd go for schuko sockets or the missing link eps sockets? I'm guessing schuko due to the advantage of fuseless plugs while retaining protection from the breakers in the new CU?

[Marco]

Hi Nick,

You guessed it! Or... 15A round-pin plugs and sockets, which arguably would be even better :)

The EPS are great if you want to stick with the whole (fused) 13A thing.

Marco.

[The Black Adder]

Forgive me if I've missed something but doesn't it have to be 13A from the wall socket? I thought that would be the only 13A fuse and thereafter fuseless?

[newtonnjd]

Thanks Marco. Any recommendation for brand of sockets, either schuko or round pin? I'd probably budget around £20-25 per single socket.