nixon76 Posted August 1, 2007 Posted August 1, 2007 Currently my Cyrus kit uses (the Cyrus supplied) english power cables, plugged into an embarassingly dirt cheap english 4-way board. I've then lopped the plug of this board and put on an NZ plug. I now want to tidy this up a bit by plugging the Cyrus' into a better board (aka the Belkin PureAV 8-way isolator in my previous thread ). Now given that I don't want to go the whole hog and get fantastically expensive power cables (that will come later), should I: 1) Use the existing Cryus power cables, lop the heads off them and put NZ plugs on. If you think I should do this, can you suggest better quality plugs than the $5 HPM ones you get at Dick Smith*? 2) Replace the cables with proper NZ ones. If you think I should do this, can you suggest where to get cables that are a) better than the dirt cheap ones at Dick Smith* and b) aren't 'audiophile' expensive (that'll come later). I'm thinking 1) may be an option as perhaps the cables that came with the Cyrus are better 'quality' than the Dick Smith ones. But if surgery on the cables (and the quality of the new plug) means means badness, then perhaps 2) is the better option. * Basically, is there somewhere that sells better grade plugs and/or IEC power cables than available from the likes of Dick Smith. If so whats the terminology I should use when I go in there. Much Appreciated
Michael Jones Posted August 1, 2007 Posted August 1, 2007 I know that John Vivian from Shore Hi-Fi has investigated power plugs and cables. This is his suggestion: Buy, from an electrical wholesaler, tapon plugs for your electronics (that's not a brand, but a type of electrical plug that enables you to plug another tapon onto the back of the first.) Put these onto the ends of your existing power cables. Plug them into the same wall socket in the order amplifier (straight into the socket), tuner (I'm assuming that the FMX is a tuner) and CD player last of all. You should hear an improved sound by plugging them directly into the wall socket. I first became aware of the difference that mains could make when visiting the Naim importer some 18 years ago. We were listening to some music when he made a change to the system, which made an easily discernable difference. The change? He altered the order in which the components mains cables were plugged into the wall.
nixon76 Posted August 1, 2007 Author Posted August 1, 2007 Interesting - thanks. I did a little search and found a picture of a tapon (attached). Three of these stacked out of the wall sounds scary! I think I'll stick with standard plugs and the 8-way board for now. Anyone other advice from people? Thanks Attached files
Michael Jones Posted August 1, 2007 Posted August 1, 2007 Nothing scarey about three tapons. If you want scarey then you should see what an active Naim system's power plugs look like! I still suggest that you get tapons for your cables. You need to buy some power plugs anyway, and having tapons gives you more options to experiment. For example, you could try the tapons into the one power socket versues the tapons into any spare power board you have lying around.
nixon76 Posted August 1, 2007 Author Posted August 1, 2007 Thats an idea - thanks. I'm not too up on amperes - would a 15amp plug be better than a 10amp one? Would this need a corresponding wall socket?
Owen Y Posted August 1, 2007 Posted August 1, 2007 Hi nixon, You will have read thru this recent thread? Cheers, Owen
nixon76 Posted August 1, 2007 Author Posted August 1, 2007 I've read through most of the power threads - but I must admit your comments on 15amp cables in that one did slip my mind! You mentioned that premade 15amp cables are hard to come by*, indicating that DIY is likely involved. Do the mains/IEC plugs need to be 15amp capable or is it all purely down to the cables rating. * I did find one on the net but it looks like the IEC plug is the wrong shape! (It looks too square).
Owen Y Posted August 1, 2007 Posted August 1, 2007 That item looks pretty good, saves DIY work. The IEC plug looks OK. I've never bothered with special IEC plugs. Internally, a standard IEC is simple, with large contact surfaces. Audiophile IEC plugs, with copper conductors, silver/rhodium or gold plating... are avail here: http://www.vt4c.com/shop/program/main.php?cat_id=1015&group_id=3 Haven't tried them myself. Cheers, Owen
Halo88 Posted August 1, 2007 Posted August 1, 2007 Our friends at Dunamys have the wrong image. That's a 20 amp IEC plug, notable, as you pointed out, by it's square shape & horizontal pin configuration. The 15 amp IEC plug utilizes vertical pins.
nixon76 Posted August 1, 2007 Author Posted August 1, 2007 Thanks. I guess I could buy one and see it if fits before buying a whole bunch. Edit: A thanks Halo88 for pointing that out. I can now buy with confidence.
Owen Y Posted August 1, 2007 Posted August 1, 2007 OK, I didn't spot that until I enhanced/lightened up the image. Thks, Owen Halo88 wrote: Our friends at Dunamys have the wrong image. That's a 20 amp IEC plug, notable, as you pointed out, by it's square shape & horizontal pin configuration. The 15 amp IEC plug utilizes vertical pins.
little blue penguin Posted August 1, 2007 Posted August 1, 2007 If you are stacking 3 or more tapons they may droop due to the weight, causing the upper prongs to withdraw from the socket. As all new plugs have partialy insulated prongs this shouldn't pose any personal risk of electrocution. However the reduced length of prong in contact with the socket may undo the benefits you are trying to gain. Some method of support may need to be rigged up to prevent this. A couple of screw hooks either side of the socket and some bungi cord should do the trick, although the more creative of you could surely find more elegant solutions.
Owen Y Posted August 1, 2007 Posted August 1, 2007 A wooden stick underneath as a prop, does the trick. (Have seen this done ) Cheers, Owen
Michael Jones Posted August 1, 2007 Posted August 1, 2007 I've never had any problem with multiple tapons. But then, I don't buy crappy ones!
Owen Y Posted August 1, 2007 Posted August 1, 2007 cloth_ears wrote: A couple of screw hooks either side of the socket and some bungi cord should do the trick, although the more creative of you could surely find more elegant solutions. On further reflection, this rig would have a certain A J Hackett cool factor, :cool: Owen :cool:
nixon76 Posted August 1, 2007 Author Posted August 1, 2007 Would this be an alternate to tapons? I imagine you could DIY up a three way if you had a sufficiently capable mains socket.
Michael Jones Posted August 1, 2007 Posted August 1, 2007 Stop stuffing around. Do the job once and do it right.
Boris1553552671 Posted August 1, 2007 Posted August 1, 2007 Another option could be the Eichmann Power Strip. This is a good quality 6 socket strip, with an IEC plug for you to connect your own power cord. I have one with universal sockets that I think can take most worldwide plugs. Got mine from Totally Wired in Dunedin for $60 delivered, but don't seem to have it listed on their website any more (although still mentioned in their text). Would allow you to start experimenting with just 1 aftermarket power cord possibly bringing some benefit to all your components. Also wouldn't have to butcher your current cables. I'm no expert, the other suggestions may be better, but the Eichmann may also be worth considering. http://www.totallywired.co.nz/eichmann2.htm http://www.eichmanncables.com/acpower.htm Cheers, B.
Owen Y Posted August 1, 2007 Posted August 1, 2007 nixon, Going back to your orig problem, if you are replacing leads, then I would recommend 15A cable. I think these Y-cables are regular 10A. Useful for convenience only, not an upgrade I suspect. Cheers, Owen
nixon76 Posted August 1, 2007 Author Posted August 1, 2007 Thanks everyone for their advice. AudioEnz - "doing it right" to me means getting a dedicated line from the mains board*, and then starting experimentation with cables/tapons/cryogenic treatments/pixie dust etc. I can't afford** to go down this route yet so can't "do it once" I'm afraid. So I think for now I'm going to go the Belkin 8-way with the 15amp replacement cables. This should be a) be reasonably priced, b) will let me power all components in a reasonably tidy way off a single power point and c) if I'm lucky not degrade the sound!. * Others may feel differently which is totally fine ** This rejigging of power cables is part of a room rearrange - including building work to accommodate a wall mounting for my plasma + in wall wiring etc.
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