Music Works 6 way block

Anyway, it seems that Canadians prefer source first, while Brits prefer amps first. The NAPSC should be plugged somewhere else.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

Cheers

Ade

You are correct and I have modified the text.

Thanks

Mick

Strangely, sharing plugs seems to be less of an issue. I can sense a very small difference if it's plugged into the same bar (a very slight smearing of the sound). If you can't find a separate plug, though, then don't worry about since the difference is so small. But if you have the option, then separate them.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

My dealer initially recommended plugging source first, then some weeks ago I read that NANA recommend amps first, which I tried. It makes a much bigger difference than one would expect – check out my thread “I started tweaking socially …”.

I was very impressed by the amp first configuration, but after about 3 weeks I tried source first again and have since stayed with it. To my ears, both configurations have their merits.

Thomas

If a device such as a mains distribution block was truly star-wired then the sequence would be irrelevent - all outlets would *SEE* the same supply at all times.

Not sure that I've moved the discussion on any, but its an interesting point (I think !).

Allan

I am going to give the source first a try.

Quick question......The CDX is powered via the XPS. The lead comes out of the XPS. Would you classify this twosome as a source or amp.

Regards

Mick

CDX/XPS qualifies as the source.

In which position is the main switch on the back of your CDX? In an on or off position?
Does anybody know if it makes a difference when running the CDX powered via XPS in what position the main switch is?

Franz

as to why order matters, i offer the following explanation.

if all the equipment is connected as parallel loads to the supply, (i.e each earthed separately) then there should be no difference -- the whole thing is just one equivalent impedance, regardless of the order.

however, if the earthing arrangements are such that some equipment is only earthed to other kit, then effectively, i believe some kit become SERIES impedances, whose characteristics affect components "downstream". then the plugging sequence question becomes, which order minimises negative effects downtream..??

just my 2cents worth... i am sure someone with more knowledge can pick holes. i like learning too..

enjoy...

ken

I have the CDX button swicthed on.

I now have another question.

Is it worth installing a dedicated spur if you use the Music Works block.

Regards

Mick

Thanks for coming in.

Do you have a view on what order I should plug the boxes in. You being the Guru etc.

Thanks

Mick

quote:

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Does anybody know if it makes a difference when running the CDX powered via XPS in what position the main switch is?

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Mick

according to my local dealer (in Cheadle), this position of the on/off switch on the CDX is unimportant and makes no diff, when used with the XPS. HTH.

Rico - all your base are belong to us.

I bet you came down the Avon valley?

Next time call in pse!!

Jo

Jo

I have used 5 out of the 6 sockets, will it do any harm to plug in my Garard 401 turntable.

Jo.......Are you in Salisbury Plain ?

Regards

Mick

Yup.

email me for phone/address.
josharp@mcmail.com

Jo

If you are still out there, or if PS or PD can forward pse:

get in touch - the invite for a drink/music/SBL set-up session still stands - could make it a 3-some with Mick ;-)

Warning! Cutting here could invalidate your monitor warranty

8<-----------------------

Jo

http://www.audiocounsel.u-net.com/MWpage1.htm

Enjoy

Derek W

Verdict - In my system (usual disclaimers apply) the MW stuff sounds far more natural than the Maplin 4 way plug / Naim leads. Sonically there is a really marked reduction in glare, or any tendency toward slight hardness / grain, with acoustic space sounding far more real and less 'digital' (on both analogue and digital sources), there is also noticeably more weight and slam to the bottom end. My first reaction on an A B (I really hate A B dems) was that the MW has slightly slowed the bass end, after time I have concluded this is not the case, in fact the opposite is true, it has allowed it to breath. The effect is similar to the Kans on screw heads vs securely resting on spikes on floor - the sound is for me less rushed and more natural in the latter case.

All this would be meaningless if the music was impacted in any way - from a flat earth perspective in my system the music certainly makes more sense, it would definitely be considered a quite big improvement in a traditional 'Tune Dem'.

If I were to criticise my system as it stood, it would be that it had a slight tendency to dissect the music, and whilst it showed remarkable detail and insight, it could suffer a little with the overall coherence of the song. You could tell exactly what the individual musicians were doing, where the engineer had placed the mics, and what processing had taken place during the recording chain, though occasionally this tendency to 'over detail' distracted from the music as a whole. The Music Works kit has certainly improved this a hell of a lot from my listening perspective, music works better as a whole than it has previously. The clarity and detail is all still there, it just seems more in musical perspective now.

Tony.

PS Haven't played with plug order yet - I have it as Hicap / 135 / 135 / CD / Turntable now. Source last, but I am sure my sources are less picky about mains quality than the Naim kit. Once I have lived with it for a week or two I will switch it all round...

quote:

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Quick question though, how bad do you think your mains is?

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I suspect it is terrible, I live in a rented flat that has been done out in true lowest common denominator landlord style. If the mains has been done as badly as visible stuff like the grouting round the bath, then it is probably absolutely lethal. I am looking to buy a flat at the moment, so things should change in the mains respect (I will get a seperate spur).

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PS. I couldn't get that ARO cable in the end, bugger. I'll have to visit the factory or something.

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Cool, rob loads of it whilst your there. Seems quite a lot of people want some.

Tony.

quote:

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If I were to criticise my system as it stood, it would be that it had a slight tendency to dissect the music, ... this tendency to 'over detail' distracted from the music as a whole - Tony

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You've described exactly what I feel about my system at this point in time. Do you intend to do anything about it or are you just going to live with it ? Alarmingly for me, a number of favourite albums seem to be falling by the wayside because of it.

I'm using a 6-way block and intend getting a set of MW mains leads in a few weeks time. Not wanting to turn this into another rack thread, but when I have all that settled I think I'll give the QS stands a try and see how that goes.

Allan

quote:

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Do you intend to do anything about it or are you just going to live with it ?

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The MW stuff (board and leads) has done a lot, this aspect has been very greatly reduced by their addition, I will live with it for a while now. I am sure a great deal of set up issues lie in the quality of mains, so once I am in a position to get a spur I suspect that will have it sorted. The system is sounding really good at the moment on the vast majority of material. It will occasionally rip something to shreads, but thankfully not at all often.

Tony.

Glad you got to hear & enjoy Musicworks stuff.

I'm using their 6 way block, it was a no brainer in my system. I'm using some of their leads on all 3 sources & pre amp. when I tried one on my Hicap for SNAXO the music fell apart. Had a chat with non ferrous Larry about this & he didn't have any answer.

Are you keeping the block & cables well dressed? I found that set up verging on anal of block & leads gave big rewards.

Bob.