Mains leads and Power block?

[lazar1980]

I`m using THIS one on my ps3. It feels like I`m having ps4 since this upgrade.

Highly recommended!!!

 

[Anonymous]

darkdealx,

Rick works (or may be the owner of) for Musicraft, which is a HiFi dealer in Derby. The link is here: http://www.musicraft.co.uk/site/ .

He is a respected member of this forum, and one of the few dealers willing to express differing views on power cables.

You may not agree with him, but he has a wealth of experience, far more than many others on this forum.

And you are?

 

[idc]

darkdealx:

Hi Rick, i don't really know what to make of your post??? Wilkinson Store, is that a wind-up?? I aren't that cheap buddy!

Seriously looking for optimum performance from 'best' main extension block, as also power leads.

????

A blind test of power cords, which were all made up to look the same and included an audiophile cable, a DIY one and two identical kettle leads, found that with 18 different people there were 18 different answers as to which was which and none was consistently the best. That, plus Rick's extensive experience strongly suggests that mains cables, extensions do not make a difference.

There are also other of examples of cheap, non audiophile products doing very well, such as a Maplins PSU for Musical Fidelity kit. So it is not unreasonable to recommend a power block from Wilkinsons.

 

[grdunn123]

darkdealx:
I don't know who you are, as also what you're getting out of this useless post of yours!!

But please refrain from responding to my posts, to which are pointless and not informative in whatever manner.

Seriously!!!

You are deranged!!!!

If you feel that you're unable to give a more through detailed response, then get a life!!!!

Hi, a Russ Andrews mains cable, probably cost about £150 ish would really make a big difference to your PS3.......or you could just use the cable that came with it.

 

[JohnnyV111]

lazar1980:
I`m using THIS one on my ps3. It feels like I`m having ps4 since this upgrade.

Highly recommended!!!

A fine cable indeed - I second the recommendation. I have one hooked up to my Sega Megadrive, and my young friends are like, seeing the graphics all bug eyed, saying "WOW - what IS this console?!?!" And that's WITHOUT a 32X...

 

[grdunn123]

lazar1980:
I`m using THIS one on my ps3. It feels like I`m having ps4 since this upgrade.

Highly recommended!!!

I was gonna get one but the £9.95 postage cost put me off....

 

[audioaffair]

As we just suggested in the other thread about mains cables, there really isn't any substitute for borrowing some cables and giving them a try first - the benefits can vary considerably based on your area.

 

[aliEnRIK]

MUSICRAFT:
Hi darkdealx

The ideal mains cable to use with the PS3 is the one supplied.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Why is that the 'ideal' one?

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Hi aliEnRIK

Don't you feel the same?

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[aliEnRIK]

MUSICRAFT:
Hi aliEnRIK

Don't you feel the same?

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Im sorry but I cant see how the one they supply just happens to be the very best in the world you can possibly buy for that item. That also goes for ALL the items that come with mains leads

I particularly disagree with the PS3 one as ive used a 16 core braided type with mine and it was certainly better than the bog standard kettle lead that came with my FAT PS3

 

[MUSICRAFT]

aliEnRIK:MUSICRAFT:
Hi aliEnRIK

Don't you feel the same?

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Im sorry but I cant see how the one they supply just happens to be the very best in the world you can possibly buy for that item. That also goes for ALL the items that come with mains leads

I particularly disagree with the PS3 one as ive used a 16 core braided type with mine and it was certainly better than the bog standard kettle lead that came with my FAT PS3

Hi aliEnRIK

I appreciate your views however at the moment i've not noticed positive differences by using after market mains cables over the standard supplied mains cables. Btw, this also includes having used a couple of PS3's.

My advise is still to use standard (preferably moulded) mains cable as these simply enable components to breathe.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Anonymous]

i bought a tacima mains conditioner a few months ago and to my ears i couldnt detect a improvement in sound or vision.rick gains nothing recommending standard cables etc,he could take peoples money and say this cable makes a big differance that cable a huge differance,instead he gives his honest opinion that standard leads, extension blocks do the job just fine,i couldnt agree more rick.

 

[Frank Harvey]

The thing with power cables is that until you try a specific power cable, with a specific product, in your home, it's impossible to know whether it makes a difference. In some systems and houses it'll be no difference, maybe even detremental. Other systems will show worthwhile benefits, and it's for these users that it's worth the outlay.

 

[aliEnRIK]

fowler:i bought a tacima mains conditioner a few months ago and to my ears i couldnt detect a improvement in sound or vision

Any yet MANY people claim tacimas 'strangle' amps

There seems to be a big picture being made up of sceptics v believers. I wonder what the difference is.............

 

[aliEnRIK]

MUSICRAFT:
Hi aliEnRIK

I appreciate your views however at the moment i've not noticed positive differences by using after market mains cables over the standard supplied mains cables. Btw, this also includes having used a couple of PS3's.

My advise is still to use standard (preferably moulded) mains cable as these simply enable components to breathe.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

May I ask which cables youve tried? Is your place free of RFI?

 

[wireman]

FrankHarveyHiFi:The thing with power cables is that until you try a specific power cable, with a specific product, in your home, it's impossible to know whether it makes a difference. In some systems and houses it'll be no difference, maybe even detremental. Other systems will show worthwhile benefits, and it's for these users that it's worth the outlay.

Well said David! That's the most honest piece of advice I've ever heard from a Dealer!

. It's all very well for Rick to bang on about how some cheesy Wilkinsons £4 extension block and standard mains cables are going to be perfectly fine... it may work well for him in his situation/location, but there's a reasonably high probability that your equipment and circumstances are totally different.

No offense Rick...

 

[MUSICRAFT]

aliEnRIK:MUSICRAFT:
Hi aliEnRIK

I appreciate your views however at the moment i've not noticed positive differences by using after market mains cables over the standard supplied mains cables. Btw, this also includes having used a couple of PS3's.

My advise is still to use standard (preferably moulded) mains cable as these simply enable components to breathe.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

May I ask which cables youve tried? Is your place free of RFI?

Hi aliEnRIK

RFI or for that matter other interferences here i am still happy use standard mains related components as i've not noticed negative drawbacks with these. Btw, when i do come across an after market mains related component(s) on sale which i feel makes a positive difference then i'll happily suggest/recommend.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[MUSICRAFT]

wireman:
FrankHarveyHiFi:The thing with power cables is that until you try a specific power cable, with a specific product, in your home, it's impossible to know whether it makes a difference. In some systems and houses it'll be no difference, maybe even detremental. Other systems will show worthwhile benefits, and it's for these users that it's worth the outlay.

Well said David! That's the most honest piece of advice I've ever heard from a Dealer!

. It's all very well for Rick to bang on about how some cheesy Wilkinsons £4 extension block and standard mains cables are going to be perfectly fine... it may work well for him in his situation/location, but there's a reasonably high probability that your equipment and circumstances are totally different.

No offense Rick...

Hi wireman

None taken.

At the moment i am happy to use Wilkinsons Stores extension blocks and standard mains cables becuase i've not noticed negative effects on performance with these here in the shop, elsewhere in Derbyshire or in many other parts of the country. There are also other members of the Forum happily using these components who (i hate to state the obvious) are living in different parts of the country and with different components.

With the greatest of respect (as fowler has already kindly pointed out) i don't benefit from recommending the use of standard mains cables and Wilkinsons Stores extension blocks. I feel credit where it is due regardless price.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[aliEnRIK]

MUSICRAFT:
Hi aliEnRIK

RFI or for that matter other interferences here i am still happy use standard mains related components as i've not noticed negative drawbacks with these. Btw, when i do come across an after market mains related component(s) on sale which i feel makes a positive difference then i'll happily suggest/recommend.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

But which ones have you tried? And how long did you try them for?

 

[Anonymous]

And I suppose all Power Amps sound the same, Rick.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

aliEnRIK:MUSICRAFT:
Hi aliEnRIK

RFI or for that matter other interferences here i am still happy use standard mains related components as i've not noticed negative drawbacks with these. Btw, when i do come across an after market mains related component(s) on sale which i feel makes a positive difference then i'll happily suggest/recommend.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

But which ones have you tried? And how long did you try them for?

Hi aliEnRIK

I take it you are happy with your chosen supporting mains related components so therefore i hope you will continue to enjoy them for many years to come.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[wireman]

MUSICRAFT:At the moment i am happy to use Wilkinsons Stores extension blocks and standard mains cables becuase i've not noticed negative effects on performance with these here in the shop, elsewhere in Derbyshire or in many other parts of the country. There are also other members of the Forum happily using these components who (i hate to state the obvious) are living in different parts of the country and with different components.

With the greatest of respect (as fowler has already kindly pointed out) i don't benefit from recommending the use of standard mains cables and Wilkinsons Stores extension blocks. I feel credit where it is due regardless price.
Rick

I don't think anyone here doubts your own personal preferences or expertise, but to continually bang-on that your particular solution to this particular area of hi-fi and AV will prove a panacea for everyone else too is in my opinion beyond reasonableness. Obviously there will be some who agree with your approach and similarly many whose own views, preferences, and equally valid experiences have delivered different results.

If you read another recent thread you'll see that with my own hi-fi I personally adopt an ever simpler, more direct mains approach than you - everything is hard-wired directly into the mains supply with no filtering or specialist mains cables at all - I even saved myself £4 by not using a Wilkinsons extension block! So on that score, I'm fundamentally agreeing with your 'keep it simple' approach.

On the other hand, my modest AV set-up does to me measurably (audibly, visually, and with proper electrical test gear) benefit from some filtering and 'specialist' mains cables - and both these systems are physically in the same room. So how does that figure?

As an electrician, I'd suggest that mains issues are neither predictable nor consistent - as my work amply demonstrates daily, there's variability across the country, across streets, and even within the confines of one room in my own home!

It stands to reason then that everyone will experience different results with different mains products (both cables and filters/conditioners/blocks), with different locations, different equipment, and most importantly, different ideas, hearing, and preferences.

 

[6th.replicant]

My tuppence worth...

I tried a Tacima. With hi-fi, I noticed slightly improved separation with a smidge' of tighter bass. With AV, it made no difference to pic quality or sound.

Couple of months ago I tried a Wilkinson/MasterPlug mains block. Yes, the sound was clearer and more open, but somehow it sounded 'smaller' overall compared to the Tacima's richer, fuller 'concert hall' presentation. The Tacima remained.

However, at the time I was unhappy with my Chord Co Carnival Silver Bi-wire speaker cable - IMO it sounded unbalanced.

So, I tried some Rick @ Musicraft-recommended 'generic' 6mm, 100% copper (oxygen-free) cable, which, IIRC, cost less than £5/m. After setup, I tried my system and, yes, it now sounded very balanced but also a tad 'gloopy' overall.

Then I swapped the Tacima for the MasterPlug, which gave me my 'concert hall' sound but with a much clearer, sweeter and open presentation. Adios, Tacima.

FWIW, my brother is also a MasterPlug convert - and his system feeds off London leccy, while mine uses Somerset's.

By the way, Sainsbury's currently has a special offer on the 10-socket MasterPlug surge protector: reduced from c. £19 to £11. Worth a punt, eh?

 

[Frank Harvey]

I remember trying an Xperience (I think it was called) mains cable from a Derby hi-fi store about 8/9 years ago. I tried it on the Tag AV32r I owned at the time, and it improved some things, but I didn't like what it did to the bass. I remember the dealer had a few weird and and wonderful mains leads and conditioners. He swore by them.

 

[Anonymous]

wireman:
Rick

I don't think anyone here doubts your own personal preferences or expertise, but to continually bang-on that your particular solution to this particular area of hi-fi and AV will prove a panacea for everyone else too is in my opinion beyond reasonableness. Obviously there will be some who agree with your approach and similarly many whose own views, preferences, and equally valid experiences have delivered different results.

If you read another recent thread you'll see that with my own hi-fi I personally adopt an ever simpler, more direct mains approach than you - everything is hard-wired directly into the mains supply with no filtering or specialist mains cables at all - I even saved myself £4 by not using a Wilkinsons extension block! So on that score, I'm fundamentally agreeing with your 'keep it simple' approach.

On the other hand, my modest AV set-up does to me measurably (audibly, visually, and with proper electrical test gear) benefit from some filtering and 'specialist' mains cables - and both these systems are physically in the same room. So how does that figure?

As an electrician, I'd suggest that mains issues are neither predictable nor consistent - as my work amply demonstrates daily, there's variability across the country, across streets, and even within the confines of one room in my own home!

It stands to reason then that everyone will experience different results with different mains products (both cables and filters/conditioners/blocks), with different locations, different equipment, and most importantly, different ideas, hearing, and preferences.wireman, no disrespect, but if Rick is banging on, so are you and the others. There'll be many who will agree with him and many who will agree with you, so why not agree to differ and leave it there?

From my relatively recent reading of this and other forums I have to say there seems to be more words wasted on power cables and mains conditioners, and more bad blood. It isn't worth it. To me its simple. If you hear a difference, fine, if you don't, fine, if you can't be bothered testing (as I suspect is the case with the majority) fine.