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Thread: Plug sockets

  1. #1
    Join Date: Jan 2013

    Location: Birmingham

    Posts: 6,772
    I'm James.

    Default Plug sockets

    Strange one this but I have observed over the last couple of nights a difference in my system caused by using different plug sockets.

    I have two double silver plated sockets, the one double socket is a spur running off the other socket.

    When I plug my system in and use both sockets it does not sound as good as it does when it is plugged into just the one double socket. I run a power amp off the one side of the socket and the other has a block connector plugged in from which I run a pre amp and turntable.

    I am sure there should be no difference but I hear it - strange or what:

  2. #2
    Join Date: May 2011

    Location: Glasgow

    Posts: 7,718
    I'm Brian.

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    Nah mate yer hearing things ...it's cos you're an
    Regards
    Brian

    Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment . (Rumi )


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  3. #3
    Bigman80 Guest

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    Lol, that's it, were off down the rabbit hole again!!!

  4. #4
    Join Date: Jan 2013

    Location: Birmingham

    Posts: 6,772
    I'm James.

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    It must be my age. This is when you start hearing and seeing things that aren't there!

  5. #5
    Join Date: Jan 2009

    Location: Essex

    Posts: 31,850
    I'm openingabottleofwine.

    Default

    I assume one of the double silver-plated mains socket is wall mounted and is part of the ring main, or maybe on a dedicated spur.

    I think you have already answered your own question: plug the power amp directly into one socket of the wall-mounted double, and the pre and TT into the other using a two-way adaptor. Using a multi-way block shouldn't make a difference, but clearly it does to your ears. Is it a 'cheapo' distribution block one might buy in Poundland, or an 'audiophile' item?
    Barry

  6. #6
    Join Date: Jan 2013

    Location: Birmingham

    Posts: 6,772
    I'm James.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Barry View Post
    I assume one of the double silver-plated mains socket is wall mounted and is part of the ring main, or maybe on a dedicated spur.

    I think you have already answered your own question: plug the power amp directly into one socket of the wall-mounted double, and the pre and TT into the other using a two-way adaptor. Using a multi-way block shouldn't make a difference, but clearly it does to your ears. Is it a 'cheapo' distribution block one might buy in Poundland, or an 'audiophile' item?
    It's an audiophile distribution block.

  7. #7
    Join Date: Jan 2009

    Location: Essex

    Posts: 31,850
    I'm openingabottleofwine.

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    What make is it? Does it have any filtering or surge suppression fitted?
    Barry

  8. #8
    Join Date: Jan 2013

    Location: Birmingham

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    I'm James.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Barry View Post
    What make is it? Does it have any filtering or surge suppression fitted?
    It's an mcru and has no filtering or surge suppression or switches in it.

  9. #9
    Join Date: Jan 2009

    Location: Essex

    Posts: 31,850
    I'm openingabottleofwine.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Jimbo View Post
    Strange one this but I have observed over the last couple of nights a difference in my system caused by using different plug sockets.

    I have two double silver plated sockets, the one double socket is a spur running off the other socket.

    When I plug my system in and use both sockets it does not sound as good as it does when it is plugged into just the one double socket. I run a power amp off the one side of the socket and the other has a block connector plugged in from which I run a pre amp and turntable.
    How are you able to plug three items into one double socket?
    Barry

  10. #10
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: Wrexham, North Wales, UK

    Posts: 110,012
    I'm AudioAl'sArbiterForPISHANTO.

    Default

    Hi Jim,

    Do remember that on double wall sockets, the earth usually connects to the L/H side of the socket (where there is provision for such), not the right, therefore for that reason, quite often you'll find that equipment plugged into the L/H side of a wall socket sounds better.

    Now, if your mains distribution block is plugged into the L/H side of one of your sockets, then everything connected to the block is taking advantage of that improved connection, which may explain what you're hearing.

    It's one of the reasons why I always go for single wall sockets, rather than double, as each will have its own individual earth point. And if you're using a distribution block, you should always plug the most sonically influential kit into the socket nearest the incoming mains (the first one next to the cable powering the block), followed by the next most sonically influential, etc.

    The most sonically influential piece of kit, for me, is always your main source (T/T, CDP or whatever), followed by preamp, then power amp. Although, in a vinyl system, a separate phono stage would come before the preamp.

    Let me give an example...

    Say you've got a CDP/T/T/phonostage/preamp and power amp, and a 6-way distribution block, plugged into the L/H side of a double wall socket, and the T/T is your main source. Then I'd plug the T/T into position 1 (first socket nearest the incoming mains), phonostage into position 2, CDP into position 3, preamp into position 4, and power amp into position 5.

    *However* sometimes power amps benefit from being connected to their own dedicated wall socket. Therefore, in your case, with two double sockets, you may benefit from connecting your distribution block to the L/H side of one socket (with your equipment plugged into it as outlined), and isolate the power amp, by plugging it alone into the L/H side of the other double socket.

    Anyway, just a few things for you to consider!

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