How important is

[icehockeyboy]

The tightness of the IEC socket going into your amp?
Having previously paid more than I should have, I bought one of the DIY mains leads, can't remember if it was Mark Grant or MCRU,but recently borrowed a quality aftermarket mains lead and noticed it was a lot tighter fit than mine, unfortunately I couldn't detect any improvement in sound, but did like the way the socket fitted into the amp so I bought a 'Hifi' IEC socket to connect to the DIY cable.
Is it better?
Possibly a tad, so just wondering if the tightness of the connection does make a difference?

[Barry]

I believe the IEC mains connectors are supposed not to have a tight fit. This is intentional, so that if the cable is tugged (by say someone catching the cable with their foot), the cable will detatch itself from the socket easity, without putting strain on the connections inside the plug.

Can you slightly 'rock' the plug from side to side easily whilst it is mated with the socket? If you can then that is intentional, and not a fault.

[struth]

seconded... it should still have a grip on the pins tho and not just fall out if touched either tho

[icehockeyboy]

Hi Barry, I'd say there is a bit of play, certainly more than the borrowed cable, but not as loose as the original DIY socket