Which mains cables/blocks are used when testing equipment on What HiFi?

[Peter Larsen]

The reason I ask it what reference point What HiFi use. Do they use ordinary mains cables/blocks like the ones from the local supermarket or do they use special ones? When I read tests of mains cables and blocks and they say that ex the sound is a bit lean, how is that compared to a cheap mains block? Even though the expensive mains block get the label 'lean sounding' is that still better than the cheap mains?

 

[Ketan Bharadia]

We always use the mains cables supplied by the equipment manufacturer. It's what the consumer gets, so it's what we test with. Specialist mains products aren't always better, and price isn't a particularly good way to judge them. But, in our experience the good ones make a useful improvement to performance, be it picture or sound.

 

[idc]

What about the main Mains (not very technical), is that treated in any way; separate circuits, or add ons like the Russ Andrews silencer etc.

 

[Ketan Bharadia]

We don't treat the mains at all. All kit is plugged straight into the supply. It's a level playing field.

 

[idc]

Thanks Ketan. I suppose it is obvious that you would use the mains supply. Most people probably do not add mains cables etc and how else would you test them!

 

[Andrew Everard]

But all our listening rooms are on their own spurs, separated from the rest of the building's supply.

With the number of computers, printers, A/C units and everything else humming away in the building, that was something we insisted on at the planning stage.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Andrew and Ketan,

That would be great if WHF could have a "reader's day" each month, where readers could come and visit your testing center, maybe bring one piece of kit to test with the rest of the benchmark system you already have set up there, and possibly go for a beer afterwards 🙂

That would be an awesome thing.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Yes, it would, but our reviewers are usually going flat-out all month on their work.

But Clare has said in the past that there are discussions going on about more ways of getting readers involved in the magazine, so watch this space...

 

[John Duncan]

EMSKY1:
Hi Andrew and Ketan,

That would be great if WHF could have a "reader's day" each month, where readers could come and visit your testing center, maybe bring one piece of kit to test with the rest of the benchmark system you already have set up there, and possibly go for a beer afterwards 🙂

That would be an awesome thing.

Well I do keep hanging around outside with puppy eyes and an Airport Express in my pocket......

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Andrew,

Will watch out for any news on this side.

 

[Simon Lucas]

JohnDuncan:Well I do keep hanging around outside with puppy eyes and an Airport Express in my pocket......ÿ

I thought you were just pleased to see us... Anyhow, the appropriate authorities have been informed and should be along any minute with a great big net and some Amnesty-approved cattleprods.

 

[idc]

A lottery for tickets to an annual open day?

 

[Andrew Everard]

We're getting way off-topic here...

 

[JoelSim]

Alternatively, you could dress as The Stig and pretend you are going for an interview at What Car? Sound and Vision.

 

[John Duncan]

Did that already. Twice.

 

[Andrew Everard]

And each time unmasked...

Mind you, the second time we did wonder if he'd been a bit too liberal in his interpretation of a Stig costume...

 

[idc]

Andrew Everard:We're getting way off-topic here...

Apologies to the original poster Peter and to you Andrew, especially as I have written criticism of posts going off topic elsewhere.

So, what surge protection do you use?

 

[John Duncan]

Actually, first time it was Clare who was unshoed, if I recall.........

 

[Andrew Everard]

idc:So, what surge protection do you use?

The same as that protecting the rest of the building. Mind you, having our own sub-station onsite helps...

 

[Clare Newsome]

JohnDuncan:Actually, first time it was Clare who was unshoed, if I recall.........
The Sandie Shaw impressions extend beyond the dress choices....

 

[Anonymous]

so then andrew so its the same level playing field when using hdmi cable or the chord company hdmi switcher/splitter ???

 

[Andrew Everard]

Don't think I even understand the subtext of that question, which is again way off-topic when we're talking about mains supplies.

But yes, everything is tested on the same terms.

 

[John Duncan]

Clare Newsome:JohnDuncan:Actually, first time it was Clare who was unshoed, if I recall.........
The Sandie Shaw impressions extend beyond the dress choices....

Yup, totally Professional. Or was that a different Shaw?

 

[drummerman]

Andrew Everard:
Don't think I even understand the subtext of that question, which is again way off-topic when we're talking about mains supplies.

But yes, everything is tested on the same terms.

Slightly off-topic but how do you test tv's/projectors? Factory settings or adjusted to what you deem best?

 

[chebby]

drummerman:Andrew Everard:
Don't think I even understand the subtext of that question, which is again way off-topic when we're talking about mains supplies.

But yes, everything is tested on the same terms.

Slightly off-topic but how do you test tv's/projectors? Factory settings or adjusted to what you deem best?

I would hope/assume some kind of calibration/set-up system. THX Optimiser/Spyder3TV or similar.

Factory settings are usually insanely over contrasty and have all the 'evil' stuff left on like digital noise production reduction and oversharpening.