Anyone use WorldWire MATRIX 2 POWER BLOCK on the system ?

Each socket pair is star wired, but each individual pair is linked as a parallel pair

Adam Zielinski posted:

Wireworld Matrix 2 is star-wired, so connection sequence is not important. Each socket has the same priority.

While that's the theory... I have two star-wired power blocks but weird (and frustratingly) enough, there is a clear audible difference between the (identical) sockets or at least; the order of the components in the block. 

Although personal, my preferred order is power amp > pre amp (or it's 'cap') > CD/source(s) or their caps > tuner always last, nasty bugger.   

There is no 'one size fits all' best order it's worth the trouble to experiment. 

I use a Russ Andrew Xblock which is of higher quality.  The cables are properly terminated into the connections and there is not any twisting of bare cables inside plastic housing (as per those red connectors in the picture above).  It is more expensive but it's extremely well made, and furthermore, it's built in the UK which ties in nicely with the rest of my Naim and Linn system

At more than twice the price is it more than twice as good

With filtration and surge protection, the X Block is probably best avoided on a Naim system. 

Really surprised to see those Martlet connectors in the Wireworld. Having said that there are likely a whole bunch of them in your house wiring system anyway.

If I had this apart, I'd solder those connections and re-install the caps. But you mustn't do this unless you're a qualified electrician.

One happy Wireworld Matrix v2 owner here. It beat Furutech e-TP60 and Musicline power blocks in my system. e-TP60 retails for almost 4x the price of Matrix and it sounded metallic and fatiguing in my system.  

I use a stock Naim power cable from wall to the block and to all equipment. The stock cable is surprisingly good.

I also did some experimenting with the connection order of equipment. I ended up connecting my gear like many other in this thread, first power/pre (SN2 in my case) and its PSU (HCDR) and after that Naim DAC - USB bridge and last the PSU for Naim DAC. 

Hungryhalibut posted:

With filtration and surge protection, the X Block is probably best avoided on a Naim system. 

While I hear what you are saying, I disagree.  It sounds excellent via the Powerline and is much better built than the WW one., also the surge protection is a good thing as I do not want my system to be damaged in the event of a storm.  I would challenge anyone to hear the difference between one fitted with surge/silencer and one without.  I might remove it at some point and test the results but for now it sounds superb.

Lewis posted:

Hungryhalibut posted:

With filtration and surge protection, the X Block is probably best avoided on a Naim system. 

While I hear what you are saying, I disagree as it sounds excellent via the Powerline and is much better built than the WW one. 

But does it sound better than an unfiltered WireWorld Matrix 2?

Adam Zielinski posted:

Lewis posted:

Hungryhalibut posted:

With filtration and surge protection, the X Block is probably best avoided on a Naim system. 

While I hear what you are saying, I disagree as it sounds excellent via the Powerline and is much better built than the WW one. 

But does it sound better than an unfiltered WireWorld Matrix 2?

I would say there is a tad more detail.  In honesty though, I don't really feel that in a sub £10k system you can tangibly measure the benefits of mains upgrades.  I have tried loads of them out over the years on various systems.  I visited a demo recently with a reference system of circa £50k, and while there was a noticeable improvement via the use of different cables it still wasn't night and day, and some of the cables were over £3k each.  Madness.  I guess if your system is that expensive in the first place then it's all relative.  I am under 40 and my hearing is excellent (i've had it tested for work and was able to pick up all frequencies which aren't audible to everyone) so I am basing my opinions on my own experience, and not trying to force them on others just sharing my thoughts

The RA one is very well constructed, properly wired, and lacks cheap and nasty connections inside which is what I wanted, rather than seeking an upgrade to the sound.  My system sounds great regardless.  I used standard Naim cables to the components and a Powerline to the RA X block.  Works well for me!

I tried a filtered mains plug once - one of those that can take four wires and it sounded horrid, like the music had been sat on. So I removed the filter and the sound really opened up and became much more lively. Remember that while your system may be comprised of used boxes and not that expensive to buy, it's actually really good and can easily show up mains differences. Anyway, you clearly are happy with it, and that's what matters. Maybe the Russ Andrews block has more sophisticated filtering than the plug I used, which only cost £10. It would be interesting nonetheless to see whether you can temporarily disconnect the filters and whether there is an audible difference. 

Lewis posted:

Hungryhalibut posted:

With filtration and surge protection, the X Block is probably best avoided on a Naim system. 

While I hear what you are saying, I disagree.  It sounds excellent via the Powerline and is much better built than the WW one., also the surge protection is a good thing as I do not want my system to be damaged in the event of a storm.  I would challenge anyone to hear the difference between one fitted with surge/silencer and one without.  I might remove it at some point and test the results but for now it sounds superb.

A surge protector will give some protection from mains spikes, but it will not prevent damage from a lightning strike. For that, you should still unplug your mains leads.

Surge protectors don't normally affect SQ,  its the 'noise' filter X&Y shunt connected caps that these devices invariably include that does.       And let's be realistic,  power surges in UK ???  really  ???,   when did you last have one of those ???

ChriSU is spot on,  remove the power plugs,  a lightning strike carries unbelieveable amounts of energy, a surge protector is like a feather in a hurricane. 

Mike-B posted:

Surge protectors don't normally affect SQ,  its the 'noise' filter X&Y shunt connected caps that these devices invariably include that does.       And let's be realistic,  power surges in UK ???  really  ???,   when did you last have one of those ???

ChriSU is spot on,  remove the power plugs,  a lightning strike carries unbelieveable amounts of energy, a surge protector is like a feather in a hurricane. 

You are probably right re surges but it's a preventative measure and surely has to be better than nothing eh

Hungryhalibut posted:

I tried a filtered mains plug once - one of those that can take four wires and it sounded horrid, like the music had been sat on. So I removed the filter and the sound really opened up and became much more lively. Remember that while your system may be comprised of used boxes and not that expensive to buy, it's actually really good and can easily show up mains differences. Anyway, you clearly are happy with it, and that's what matters. Maybe the Russ Andrews block has more sophisticated filtering than the plug I used, which only cost £10. It would be interesting nonetheless to see whether you can temporarily disconnect the filters and whether there is an audible difference. 

Nigel it seems to work very well for me.  I've used RA products in the past and have always been satisfied with their performance, although I do understand your thought process in that no filter is traditionally thought to be the best solution.  

Lewis posted:

Mike-B posted:

Surge protectors don't normally affect SQ,  its the 'noise' filter X&Y shunt connected caps that these devices invariably include that does.       And let's be realistic,  power surges in UK ???  really  ???,   when did you last have one of those ???

ChriSU is spot on,  remove the power plugs,  a lightning strike carries unbelieveable amounts of energy, a surge protector is like a feather in a hurricane. 

You are probably right re surges but it's a preventative measure and surely has to be better than nothing eh

.....as long as it doesn't lull you into a false sense of security, thinking that maybe you can afford to be a bit less careful to unplug if an electrical storm approaches.