Mains extension block

[Pieoftheday]

Hi, I'm currently using a cheap and cheerful extension block but would to try something 'better'. I've been looking at mcru's Audiophile mains block,silver plated, anybody have any experience of one? Cheers Jim

[chris@panteg]

I have one of those, it's not much cop to be honest, I've relegated it to just supply my WiFi router and front door chime.

I decided to build my own using a pair of MK double sockets linked together using good quality mains cable on a solid baseboard.
Really pleased with them, I built two.

[Pieoftheday]

Ta chris

[Marco]

I use one of these in my music streaming/AV system, which performs very well and, for me, an unmitigated bargain: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brennenstuhl-Premium-Line-extension-GERMANY-switch/dp/B00P142TPY

Also, available in a 'sexier' aluminium-bodied version:

https://www.viking-direct.co.uk/en/brennenstuhl-premium-alu-line-line-extension-8-way-socket-3m-black-silver-p-5527867?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=surface_google&cm_mmc=Google-_-pla_gen_google-shopping_desktop-essentials_gosc-_-desktop-essentials-gosc-_-5527867&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIke6I0NrC8AIVjtd3Ch1KOA8nEAQYBCAB EgKZsvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I think, in all instances, they start from 6-way upwards. A no-nonsense, well-constructed and reliable German product!:)

Marco.

[Gazjam]

Most effective I've used (and currently have two in my system both hardwired to balanced mains) is the Wireworld Matrix 2 block.

Take hifi mains seriously, tried a few different options and this stood out as the best.

https://www.futureshop.co.uk/wireworld-matrix-uk-6-way-power-hub-v2

[Barry]

Agree the two shown by Marco are bargains, and look to be more than sufficient for the task.

I used to use an industrial standard metal-clad 6-way Olson distribution strip, on which I had removed the neon switch and replaced the mains cable, but retained the Schaffner filter block. I liked the way the sockets were aligned at 45 degree to the case, making cable 'dressing' easier and neater. I don't use it now for my main system, since I had a dedicated ring installed with 14 sockets for the sources (TT, CD, tape, tuner and preamps, phonostages and buffer amplifiers) and 2 each for the speakers and monoblock power amps.

I don't believe it is necessary to have distribution strips 'star wired'. All of mine are wired in a 'daisy-chain' fashion using 20A rated cable. Also I don't like mains distribution strips that use the (so-called) 16A IEC connector: it is better to have the input cable hard wired to the sockets.

But whatever you do use, don't be tempted to buy the 2- , 4- , or 6-way extension strips you see for sale in supermarkets etc. They may satisfy BS1363 and have the 'kitemark' and CE marks, but they are cheaply made and quite insubstantial for heavy use.

[Pieoftheday]

I ended up buying a brennenstuhl 6way one with the aluminium casing, £21:)

[doodoos]

Have one of these. Seems good

http://www.hifi-intouch.co.uk/products/4679/47/mains-power-distribution-blocks/hifi-in-touch-4-way-sp-copper-power-distribution-block.aspx

[Marco]

I ended up buying a brennenstuhl 6way one with the aluminium casing, £21:)

Nice one, James. For the price, you can't go wrong. There are so-called 'audiophile grade' mains distribution units I've used, purporting to be better, at ten times the price, and which simply aren't!;)

Marco.

[sailor]

I was very interested in this unit but decided to resort to DIY something similar.

https://www.custom-hifi-cables.co.uk/mainscables/powerblack-mains-cables/powerblack-distribution-block

My knock-up has lowered the noise floor considerably. Detail just seems to pop out now, music is more immersive and PRAT is impressive.

If your budget will extend to the above I think you will find it outperform the usual strips on offer. Hard wired via glands makes more sense than using plugs with fuses. Should you be interested in going DIY I would be happy to help with an explanation and photos.

[Marco]

Nice one, Charles. Have you posted details (and pics) or your build in the DIY room? If not, please do!:)

I'm familiar with that block - it's usually used with Naim systems. isn't it?

Marco.

[The Black Adder]

The Mark Grant ones look nice.

Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk

[sailor]

Hi Marco, no, not posted anything. There is a break in the weather here which is what I need to do some roof repairs. Will get some photos up this evening or tomorrow.

[Marco]

No worries, good luck with the repairs, and I look forward to seeing the pics soon:)

Marco.

[Marco]

The Mark Grant ones look nice.


It is, especially when like me you have it internally wired with Furukawa cable (same as used in MCRU 'Ultimate' mains leads), use that also for the flex, then fit Furutech sockets like these ( https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Furutech-FP-1363-S-Gold-UK-Mains-Single-Wall-Socket-/233225462513?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338268676&toolid=10044&customid=Cj0KCQjwkZiFBhD9ARIsAGxFX8Bs7UBxtrICLAA4C sGlMAOH7ZvLCnD_XBWVmjIgEE395ukpIJtqLAQaAkbOEALw_wc B ) to the top!:eyebrows:;)

Marco.

[Sansiiro]

I was about to ask the same question.
Has anyone tried the new Audioquest Powerquest 2?
I am thinking of buying this.

[sailor]

Some photos and story posted on DIY Gallery

[337alant]

I also like the Olsun 6 way mains blocks they are heavy duty industrial quality, individual sockets that have a nice tight fit.
I rewire mine with the Belden 19364 mains cable
Best upgrade for me was a dedicated radial to a twin socket

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51309121652_7feda13306_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mb1Ehu)Olsun 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2mb1Ehu) by Alan Towell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51309863686_d3f0ed95d5_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mb5sSb)Olsun 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2mb5sSb) by Alan Towell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/), on Flickr

Another one with a DC Blocker

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50809939273_18616b9593_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kpUdKK)olsun (https://flic.kr/p/2kpUdKK) by Alan Towell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/), on Flickr

Alan

[Qwin]

I prefer a distribution block that uses IEC C13 outlets rather than those for a UK 3 pin plug.
It gets rid of all the fuses in the appliance plugs, which are only protecting the cable from damage, a single fused UK plug at the attachment to your mains supply will do just the same job. Most if not all equipment has an internal fuse of a lower rating, that does the actual protection for the unit.
This is the way most Pro Audio distribution blocks are set up.
It's my preference and I've never had an issue. There are plenty of them available, with or without mains filtration, having tried both from Furman, I prefer without filters.