advice on mains block

[Chivas]

For a while now I've been thinking about my mains supply, which runs from the wall socket to a £20 Maplin surge protector where all my HiFi eqiupment is plugged in. I cannot help but feel that I can get more scale and air by changing this rubbish setup, but the question is by how much and at what cost. I don't have the greatest room atm, so is it worth looking at something like the PS Audio quintet or even the PPP (can be got from ebay at circa a grand). I think Martin is using one?

I'm in no mood to spend a lot of money on small improvements.

Any ideas, advice or experience to share?

Retief

[Effem]

If you only need a few sockets then a Belkin PF30 will give you a lot of
improvement.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B000EMTIZM/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1297346467&sr=8-1&condition=new


The Belkin PF40 has more sockets if you need them.

I believe Belkin had a huge clear out of obsolete stock a while back and some of us managed to grab one of these models for silly money (I got a PF30 for under £30) so keep your eyes peeled on the web to see if anyone still has some in stock.

The main problem with cheap "mains conditioners" is that they tend to heavily compress the sound from a hi-fi system and I think this is what you are experiencing with the Maplins block. The Belkins certainly don't have this trait and they really do open up a hi-fi system and let it really shine without any compression.

Found one on Amazon:

[John]

If you want to spend a bit more and get a bit more how about Balanced Mains transformer you can get decent ones for £300 but lots of people like the Belkin its just depends how far you wish to take this

[Chivas]

Cheers Frank

Exactly the type of advice I was looking for! Now, if only I can find one!

Retief

[Chivas]

If you want to spend a bit more and get a bit more how about Balanced Mains transformer you can get decent ones for £300 but lots of people like the Belkin its just depends how far you wish to take this

Hey John


I've found the thread on here where people went ape sh!! with the sale Frank was referring to, one user even compared it favourably to his PS Audio. So it would have been great at £40!!!!

I don't mind spending a bit more, as long as I get a bit more for it! £300 is still within range, especially since it seems that it may be hard getting hold of the Belkin.

[Chivas]

If you only need a few sockets then a Belkin PF30 will give you a lot of
improvement.
The Belkin PF40 has more sockets if you need them.

IFound one on Amazon:

I need about 10 sockets

I found this one, a PF 60 (do you know what the difference is between this and the PF40, for £220 2nd hand. Is it worth it? The super deals seem to be gone.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belkin-PurAV-Theater-Power-Console/dp/B000FVR4Z8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1297347803&sr=1-2

[Effem]

The PF60 is a bigger version of the PF40 with a more complex and informative display, plus a higher power rating.

I think it is a bargain for £220 in all honesty because it actually does what is says on the tin, which in hi-fi terms should never be ignored. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the sonic benefits to be gained :eyebrows:

Be aware though it is a BIG unit and I couldn't find the measurements in the link, so maybe a visit to Belkin's website will give you the dimensions. My PF30 fits neatly into my rack and the PF40 is at least twice as tall, so I would imagine the PF60 is bigger still again.

[John]

If you need 10 sockets then go for the PF60
In my system I perfer Balanced mains to the PS Audio reginartors (but can only relate this into my own system, the PS Audio gear is pretty good but not cheap)

[magiccarpetride]

For a while now I've been thinking about my mains supply, which runs from the wall socket to a £20 Maplin surge protector where all my HiFi eqiupment is plugged in. I cannot help but feel that I can get more scale and air by changing this rubbish setup, but the question is by how much and at what cost. I don't have the greatest room atm, so is it worth looking at something like the PS Audio quintet or even the PPP (can be got from ebay at circa a grand). I think Martin is using one?

I'm in no mood to spend a lot of money on small improvements.

Any ideas, advice or experience to share?

Retief

I've recently switched to Belkin PF-30 (paid $60), that was quite possibly the best 60 bucks I've spent on my audio system. Perhaps it was because my mains power supply is unbelievably dirty to begin with, Belkin managed to clean it up real good, which resulted in me being able to hear unbelievable amount of never before heard details in familiar songs.

Give it a try, for that kind of shoestring budget you just can't go wrong.