extension cords/blocks in california

Posted by: JeremyB on 09 May 2003

Inspired by Bob Shedlock's post and having installed a new dedicated mains, I thought I'd try different alternatives to the wiremold block.

I tried:
1. The orange 3-way "current tap" that Bob mentioned
2. A yellow heavy duty 12 gauge 2 feet long cord with 3-way forming a "T" at the end
3. An orange/black striped 2 feet long "Medium Duty" 14 gauge 3-way "T"
4. An orange/black striped 6 feet cable with 3 way "in-line" at the end

There are more available, but I felt nerdy enough trying this lot!

To cut a long story short, the molded orange plug thing and all the "T" extensions sounded the same to me. They we more detailed and had a little more bass extension than the Wiremold but sounded quite "screechy" to me.

The real revelation was the orange/black striped thingy. Deeper bass, beautiful detail, better timing, open etc. Like a preamp or power supply upgrade. I can't believe such a thing would make so much difference! I had to keep swapping the cable to make sure I am not going mad. The cord costs $8.97! How is this possible? Has anyone else tried different extension cords and noticed the same thing? All these bits are available form Home Depot and OSH.
Posted on: 10 May 2003 by JeremyB
Ramon,

The brand name is "Commercial Electric" 6 feet medium duty 14 Gauge indoor/outdoor extension cord. The three sockets are in-line with the cable in a black molding. I plugged in 135,135,pre with the pre at the end farthest from the wall outlet (as usual).

I'd be interested to know what someone else found (after all, it's just the price of a round at Starbucks!)
Posted on: 10 May 2003 by Bob Shedlock
I'm glad you were inspired to experiment w/cheaper alternatives! However, my comments were aimed at the timing of the wiremold v's any other extension devices. Did you also experience a change for the better in that area?
Posted on: 10 May 2003 by JeremyB
Bob,

Yes, a definite improvement in timing although not as great as changing the TT power supply from the ring main to the wiremold into the dedicated supply. I think you'll agree the timing takes a little longer to assess when accompanied by several other improvements. Only the amps are currently plugged into the new cord with the TT plugged into the second wall socket.

Today I shortened the new cord as it was a little long for my setup. I replaced the wiremold cord with the resulting left-over orange/black. Comparing the two, I notice the same difference as before. Therefore I conclude that it is the construction of the wiremold socket strip itself which is the problem.

My CD player arrives next week, I may try to compare again. I think you were definitely on to something. The orange molded "T" adapter sounds so nasty with the amps I won't be using it any more (just returned the pile of discarded cords and adapters to Home Depot).

Strangely, I found that since I have used the new cord I have had more RFI problems (pops and clicks from appliances and the VPI cleaner) which I have managed to reduce by grounding the turntable to the pre-amp rather than the stageline.