Power blocks
Posted by: pjl on 15 March 2008
I am considering making my own mains distribution block to use with my new powerline (when it's released!). I have CDS3/252/olive250/IBL's. I currently use a Grahams Hydra. I had thought to simply use a 13A socket on a board, plugged into the wall socket. The Powerline would plug into this and the other 2 leads would simply be connected to the terminals at the rear of the socket, thus keeping fuses/connections to the safe minimum. Does anyone have any thoughts/better ideas? What type/rating of cable would be best for coonecting to the wall socket? MK or Crabtree plugs/sockets?
Posted on: 15 March 2008 by djftw
I would go for MK Logic Plus sockets, and use the matching surface mount boxes just screwed straight onto a board. I would use 2.5mm cable like they use for caravan power connections, or something like Supra Lo-Rad. And of course an MK SafetyPlug as currently used on the stock Naim Cables.
Posted on: 16 March 2008 by pjl
Thanks for your thoughts djftw. Naim use the MK SafetyPlug rather than the ToughPlug. The connection methods are different inside the plugs, the Safety having a clamp/screw type arrangement. Is this superior to the ToughPlug? It seems that everybody raves on about how good the ToughPlug is, so why don't Naim use it?
Posted on: 16 March 2008 by djftw
I have an abundance of both as I'm in the habit of buying a box from the wholesalers whenever I need something! The SafetyPlug's connection method seems mechanically and electrically sounder to me as you're getting a larger contact area. Those hole with a screw in it type terminals tend to be more fiddly to get a good grip on the whole cable, and even when properly secured there is a much smaller contact area. I must admit that I have never done a listening test however!
Don't get me wrong, the ToughPlug is miles better than most plugs out there, including most of the grossly overpriced "audiophile" stuff, but I think the SafetyPlug is better.
One tip with the SafetyPlug, don't use a big screwdriver, the larger slot makes it temping to use a larger driver, but that extra leverage can lead to you over tightening and damaging the terminal without realizing quite how much force you're applying.
Posted on: 16 March 2008 by Stephen Tate
Have MK sorted out their fuse holders yet? This is one gripe i experience with their plugs.
Steve.
Posted on: 16 March 2008 by djftw
Fuse holder problems? What problems?
Posted on: 16 March 2008 by Stephen Tate
quote:
Originally posted by djftw:
Fuse holder problems? What problems?
er... i take it they have?
and for that matter their sockets?
steve
Posted on: 16 March 2008 by djftw
Again, not a problem I've ever had. The unswitched Logic plus sockets on the end of my dedicated radial have never given me any reason to doubt any aspect of their build quality.
