Multi Plugs = Safe? Extension block better? DIY dual headed plug?

[Simon_LDT]

Will try to keep this simple but be warned I may ramble on... :eek:

Will be putting a DC blocker into my system (in front of monoblocks) in a few weeks and am trying to figure out how I want to proceed. Currently have all gear in an 8 way surge protected APC extension block. My aim is to plug the monos direct into the wall (through the blocker) although I only have 1 socket spare and currently each amp has it's own plug!

I've been looking at multi-way plugs although I've read some comments that they're not exactly 'legal' or entirely safe which probably explains why they are not easy to find anymore.

Other option is to wire to cables into a single plug, although I have my doubts about that too. It' just seems a bit wrong, even though it makes sense.

My other option is to buy a simple no frills block (no on light or switches and decent connections) and connect amps to that, although does that defeat plugging directly into the wall?

I seem to have more questions than answers at the minute.

Any other options available?

[Carlos-UK-2016]

Hello Simon, a bit of a ramble is OK (one of the reason I like this AOS forum, as you can say what is on your mind, without getting shot down).

Moving away from the 8 way block is a good idea. Wiring the two power cables of the amps together (in one plug) 'may have some reasoning to it', but my first thought was that it may be a quick way to fry both your amps if you get a loose connection and pull one of the wires.

These are just my initial rambled thoughts.

Slightly off topic, for my testing I may get one of these no frills sockets (link to ebay 'IEC Kettle Lead C13 4 Way Multiboard MultiGang Extension Splitter Board Box'): http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301883868143

At the moment I am in the middle of revising all my power leads & connections too, so I guess I will chime in with my rambled thought too from time to time, if that is OK?

I am away from home for a while, when I get back I'll spec out my setup & do a rambled evaluation, to see if there are any similar goals that we are both trying to improve.
:cool:

Updated info:
Here is a link to the DC Blocker thread, where I have added some info about my setup:
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?43496-Mains-DC-Blocker&p=743839#post743839

[Simon_LDT]

No problems to ramble in here Carlos, it's all part of the discussion.

[Simon_LDT]

So is it a good idea to get something like a Tacima block with added mains filtering for CDP, Turntable, DAC, Phono stage and then something basic with no filtering or surge protection but good high quality for the power amps? Would a pre-amp be lumped with that or the conditioner?

[struth]

Try and pick up one of the Belkin pure av units.. They are super bits of kit for money..ive got this one

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160329/24b6b299fb6d563a2d0cc54cb11a0014.jpg

[Simon_LDT]

Those Belkin units look nice although a bit big and look like they'd need a place on a rack, which I don't have (already overloaded!).

I'm still no closer to what I'm going to do. I like the look of the Mark Grant extensions although at £200 they are a bit out of my league, plus I would only need 2 sockets for my monos. The other thing I've looked at is maybe getting an Olson 2 way block and fitting my own DIY cable to that. How hard would it be to open it up and re-wire it myself?

I've pretty much given up the idea of using a multi-way plug as A) They're really pricey these days (£40!) B) Apparently the fuse holder is not well attached inside plus it looks a bit cheap to me.

I'm still toying with wiring both IEC leads into a single plug, although trying to find others that have done this online is near impossible, or I'm searching the wrong terms.

[Carlos-UK-2016]

Hello Simon, something to consider is what type/SIZE mains cable you are going to use. I would really recommend using a shielded cable with the screen tied to earth at one end. Have you seen this thread: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?43286-DIY-13A-Power-cord

Working with heavy gauge cables, wired into a single plug might seem like a good idea but MAY be physically impossible. I have trouble fitting one of these heavy screened cables into a one plug, let alone two.
BTW Simon, I forgot to ask how your amps are currently connected to the mains, Do they have IEC connections? or have they got hard wired power cables?

If you are considering spending £200 on a MG extension block, you may as well consider spending £50 more and buy a full on regenerator which converts AC to DC & back to AC (to clean up your AC & importantly give you a rock solid stable 230V, as well as 6 outlets): https://markgrant.co.uk/mains-filters-and-regenerators/182-power-inspired-ag500-pwm-ac-regenerator-with-fan-speed-control.html
Personally I would not spend £200 on a distribution block.

[Simon_LDT]

Yep, read that thread. I was thinking of using the Belden 19364 cable and there is an MK plug which will accomodate 2 of these inside (somebody posted about it a few pages in) so that was my idea. However I just can't seem to find much info out there about how safe and or/usual this is. Doesn't seem like anybody does this which obviously has me thinking it's not the best solution.

The mains regenerator I haven't looked into. I thought it was best to plug amps directly into the wall?

My amps are currently connected with their original IEC > UK 5A plug cables and they each have a separate cable & plug, hence the need for 2 sockets.

[Carlos-UK-2016]

Yep, read that thread. I was thinking of using the Belden 19364 cable and there is an MK plug which will accomodate 2 of these inside (somebody posted about it a few pages in) so that was my idea. However I just can't seem to find much info out there about how safe and or/usual this is. Doesn't seem like anybody does this which obviously has me thinking it's not the best solution.

The mains regenerator I haven't looked into. I thought it was best to plug amps directly into the wall?

My amps are currently connected with their original IEC > UK 5A plug cables and they each have a separate cable & plug, hence the need for 2 sockets.

If you are 'determined' to wire them together, maybe a safer way is to make a DIY version (belden cable) up something like this (you could use a junction box)
Whatever you do (SAFETY with AC Mains is the most important FACTOR):
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MjI1WDc1MA==/z/6swAAOSw~OVWyyE4/$_12.JPG
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-0m-2-WAY-IEC-Y-UK-MAINS-PLUG-LEAD-SPLITTER-POWER-CABLE-KETTLE-PC-109-018-/281977472572

I use these £5 IEC connectors, with thick Belden cable:
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/3/2/2/8/3/webimg/580267922_o.jpg
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261606656667?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Or even simpler, just get a double socket, with no leds or switches fitted in the wall. That is the most straight forward maybe?

[Simon_LDT]

How would I wire something like that up inside (the junction box)? I can wire a plug and IEC no problem but that I have no idea. I would have thought that making a dual headed plug would be technically 'safe' as long as current draw is no more than the socket and cable can handle and that the right fuse is used, but the lack of any info online makes me wonder that maybe it's not widely done like that for a reason.

I'm currently thinking a 2 way extension would be best but trying to find something that is substantial inside (thick wire, soldered well maybe with silver plating, no switch or light) and not breaking the bank is proving hard to find.

[Carlos-UK-2016]

How would I wire something like that up inside (the junction box)? I can wire a plug and IEC no problem but that I have no idea. I would have thought that making a dual headed plug would be technically 'safe' as long as current draw is no more than the socket and cable can handle and that the right fuse is used, but the lack of any info online makes me wonder that maybe it's not widely done like that for a reason.

I'm currently thinking a 2 way extension would be best but trying to find something that is substantial inside (thick wire, soldered well maybe with silver plating, no switch or light) and not breaking the bank is proving hard to find.

This is the best quality for a reasonable price socket: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silver-Plated-UK-Double-Wall-Socket-Unswitched-/331399831027 from a very trustworthy company. Wire your belden into it, and put it in a nice box - DONE
Give Mark a call at The Missing Link cables.
You could build something really great like this:
http://www.the-missing-link.net/prod24.jpg

[Simon_LDT]

I don't need a double socket - already have that. Currently have 1 socket spare as the other has my current 8 way surge extension plugged in which has all my gear plugged in (even my amps). I was going to plug the amps directly into the wall socket but with only 1 spare and 2 amps that is the problem.

[Carlos-UK-2016]

I don't need a double socket - already have that. Currently have 1 socket spare as the other has my current 8 way surge extension plugged in which has all my gear plugged in (even my amps). I was going to plug the amps directly into the wall socket but with only 1 spare and 2 amps that is the problem.

Yes I understand that (OR Maybe I don't - I am laughing heavily as I type this :cool: ). what I was trying (badly) to say is that you can: standard UK Plug into your spare wall socket > Belden cable into a nice wooden box with a Dual socket on the front (to plug in your 2 amps). Does that make sense?

:cool: Time for a beer.

[Simon_LDT]

Yep, got it now haha. :lol:

So basically make my own extension box? I've never wired a socket before but assume it's quite straightforward with the same L, N & E wires?

[Carlos-UK-2016]

Yep, got it now haha. :lol:

So basically make my own extension box? I've never wired a socket before but assume it's quite straightforward with the same L, N & E wires?

Yes, that is what I was trying to say.

The Missing Link ones appear to be good. Here are some photos:

http://rootscript.com/_AOS/sockets/ml01.jpg
http://rootscript.com/_AOS/sockets/ml01b.jpg

Looks quite straight forward, and a cost effective way of getting a quality product. How are you woodworking skills?

[RobbieGong]

I can highly recommend the Ultra Pure wall sockets AND plugs. In simple terms and if nothing else, they are quality and a no brainer over ya old basic switched sockets ;)

[Puffin]

Try and pick up one of the Belkin pure av units.. They are super bits of kit for money..ive got this one

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160329/24b6b299fb6d563a2d0cc54cb11a0014.jpg

Blimey your mains is low. Mine is daily showing at least 245v and up to 250v today. It has been over 250v on occasions.

[Macca]

You need to keep your amps plugged directly into the wall or it will affect the dynamics. I have the same issue (only 2 sockets) which has put me off trying monoblocks in the past, but I have been advised that there is no issue, safety or otherwise, with wiring two mono amps to the same plug.

[Simon_LDT]

Thanks Macca, sounds like the best option I think and would be most inexpensive way. Will see how I get on with the Firebottle AIR first though because initial impressions are good and could end up ditching the monos...

[Marco]

How about this, Simon: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260735158953?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT Or if you fancy silver: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUDIO-FRIENDLY-SILVER-Hydra-mains-power-cable-Naim-3m/310106268737?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%2 6asc%3D35391%26meid%3D280f4ad14ef84039a2fa17c5f2fe b347%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D3%26mehot%3Da g%26sd%3D260735158953

:cool:

Marco.

[Qwin]

The multi plug Marco suggests is pretty good, I used one for a good few years.
I now use a multi way IEC distribution block which has 10 inputs and a single 3 pin plug that goes into the wall socket.
So all my appliances have leads with an IEC male plug on one end and an IEC female plug on the other end.
This takes multiple fuses and the crap three pin plugs they are fitted in, out of the circuit.
All my kit has low (and appropriate) value fuses on-board to protect it.
The fuse in a safety plug is there purely to protect the power lead from going up in flames, should it get trapped in a door etc and short your ring main circuit, which caries more than 13amps. As long as you have one fuse at the head of the lead going into the wall socket, this is covered. You must of course make sure your total current draw is less than 13 Amps, but that is a lot, my whole system only draws 8 Amps.
If you look at the Pro gear there are some nice 19" rack mains conditioning units for DJ's and Studio use with 8 or 10 IEC outlets on the back. Check out some of what's available at somewhere like Studio Spares. One hear for less than £100 https://www.studiospares.com/Cables-Leads/Mains-Distribution/Samson-Powerbrite-PB10_388290.htm There are models without the DJ down lights fitted, been tempted by these myself.

[Simon_LDT]

Not a fan of those multi-way plugs from what I've read. I believe they used to be around £10 about 5 years back but have since been discontinued so those £40 ones on ebay must be the last stock and at a premium price. I've read that the fuse holder in them is really poor also.

The power conditioners Ken linked to look good, although would be best served with my other equipment and not the power amp/s, right?

[Macca]

Right.

I used to have a Belkin effort that did improve the sound noticeably when the pre-amp was plugged into it. I've no idea why. It died when I had the meter changed and I forgot to unplug it. It was discontinued by then so I bought the replacement model but that did nothing for SQ.

I once plugged the power amp into it by accident and could tell from the first bar of music that something was not right.

[Simon_LDT]

Well, I've ended up going the dual headed plug route. Ordered a MS HD POWER plug, recommended from another thread. Took a long time to wire it up. There is definitely a good amount of room in there but it's still tricky to route the wires carefully and make a tidy job of it. The Belden cable is really chunky too, certainly a huge step-up from the thin stuff on all my other cables.

Went with Kaiser IEC plugs although had to remove the cable strain relief bit as the Belden simply won't fit through it.

The sound has improved straight away. Most noticeably the bass has more weight to it and greater dynamic peaks. Almost like there was a compressor of some sorts over the music when plugged into the surge block.

Has breathed new life into my mono's and I just can't believe how long I've been listening to my amp/s like this. Gonna make the Firebottle/P1 comparison much harder now too. :eek:

[Simon_LDT]

Worth getting a Samson PS10 for my other gear sans power amps (CD, TT, DAC, Pre)? They're around £70-80 so quite reasonable.