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Post by MikeMusic on Aug 16, 2014 12:40:49 GMT
Warning Do not mess around with electrics unless you know exactly what you are doing. I believe I am safe enough carefully changing sockets - when the power is off !
I've been playing my office kit sub optimal via a switched socket and a Russ Andrews Purifier block.
Moving furniture yesterday reminded me an unswitched socket was one of the things I promised myself.
Tests with Mavis on CD, Pioneer PD-S703 and Chord 2600. Step 1 : Critical listen a with the old setup Could be better, bit muddy, clarity certainly taking a hit, muddled.
Step 2: Lead for the Purifier block moved to another switched socket My imagination perhaps, that sounds a bit better. I wondered if it would be worse sharing the socket with PC and stuff. Could be just the moving of the plug cleaning it up a bit.
Step 3: Mains off, when I eventually found the right switch ! Out with the old switched socket - ah surprise the earth wires connected to the right hand socket. Usually the left which is where I was plugged into.... Mains back on. Test the lead for the Purifier block in the *right* hand socket of the switched socket. Subtly better. Noticeable on the high end percussion. Think a touch more detail.
Step 4: Purifier block into the unswitched socket. Ooh nice. Even more detail at the top end, a touch more bass and mid range more detailed now
Step 5: Kit direct into unswitched socket Better again, improving all above, and a 'nicer' sound
Worthwhile improvements for an investment of a bit of time
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2014 13:54:24 GMT
A subtle effect as you noticed but tightening screws/changing and cleaning wire ends /contacts could account for most of the change. Inevitably you have changed more than removing the switches. Also try without the purifier and see if it improves or gets worse. Different or better?
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Post by MikeMusic on Aug 16, 2014 14:23:01 GMT
Kit is now direct into the unswitched socket
Purifier block disconnected
The difference in sound quality from Step 1 to Step 5 is quite large
I assume the original switched socket is mid 80s and the unswitched about 5 years old
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Post by Paul Barker on Aug 16, 2014 16:46:10 GMT
So are you saying unswitched socket alone (5) better that purifier block into unswitched socket (4)?
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Post by MikeMusic on Aug 16, 2014 17:21:05 GMT
Seems that way.
Easy enough to test again. I will do that !
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2014 18:01:53 GMT
I always thought those RA things were a bit dubious ever since I removed one of his clamps.
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Post by MikeMusic on Aug 16, 2014 19:45:44 GMT
It's good if you need multiple outlets.
I only need CD and Integrated amp so the double socket does the job, minus the extra journey for the electric via more wires
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2014 20:36:08 GMT
Sockets fine but it looks like you could do without the built in purifier. I used one mains clamp which was perceived as an improvement. Left it plugged into a distribution block for years. Removed it when short of sockets - found better without. Just appeared to constrict the sound somewhat. More spacious and dynamic without (and this is the min RA mains 'treatment').
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Post by MikeMusic on Aug 17, 2014 9:27:55 GMT
I've also got a RA Purifier I'll test that out
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Post by Dave on Aug 17, 2014 13:49:45 GMT
Grab yourself a Tacima mains block (or equivalent) for your computer Mike, made a noticeable difference in this environment. I am going to try out one of these soon from our friends at MS Audio so will report back once it's installed
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Post by MikeMusic on Aug 17, 2014 16:50:15 GMT
99% of my listening is CDs so probably not needed. I just sample the odd album and the odd YouTube
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Paul
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Post by Paul on Aug 20, 2014 18:14:07 GMT
I made my own mains block with two MK logic plus sockets, some Belden shielded cable housed in a wooden block of my own making. I'm no woodworker, but it's ok. The sockets give a nice firm connection on the plugs. Also, as mentioned above, I checked all sockets for loose screws (while the leccy was turned off of course). Sounds alreet to me.
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Post by MikeMusic on Aug 21, 2014 9:28:36 GMT
I go for unswitched sockets on the wall wherever I can for hifi and sound systems
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Post by John on Aug 21, 2014 12:21:23 GMT
Moved to unswitched sockets a good few years ago at the time did a few upgrades so not sure what difference they made
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Post by danielquinn on Aug 21, 2014 12:28:04 GMT
I remain skeptical as to mains currently as having read everything written on it , its seems regeneration or balanced mains is the only worthwhile way to progress and presently money could be better spent elsewhere [ if i ever get any money for me again , back to school for 3 this month } I have changed mains cable and hard wired mains cable and would be lying if i said i noticed a difference - I have however tried a medium priced conditioner [ £60 ] and it squashed the life out the system .
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Post by MikeMusic on Aug 21, 2014 12:33:43 GMT
In the main system I have unswitched sockets, Ultimate mains cable into a PS Audio P10 and Ultimates coming out They all make a difference with each improving the sound - tested
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Post by danielquinn on Aug 21, 2014 12:46:43 GMT
Alas for me a £700 mains cable which uses a connector and isn't even hard wired remains at the level of you have got to be bloody joking .
I am happy to accept it made a difference to you in your system , but I am also equally content not to bother trying it . I have absolutely no curiosity towards such a product .
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Post by AlanS on Aug 21, 2014 13:07:32 GMT
Alas for me a £700 mains cable which uses a connector and isn't even hard wired remains at the level of you have got to be bloody joking . I am happy to accept it made a difference to you in your system , but I am also equally content not to bother trying it . I have absolutely no curiosity towards such a product . Beautifully expressed. I found little if any change from enhanced cables but did from a regenerator (not conditioner though). Also found loose socket/plugs could be improved sound wise by tightening them.
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Post by John on Aug 21, 2014 13:57:57 GMT
its great to disagree and I guess some of us maybe have more issues with mains than others which might account for the variations. For instance I had a unexpected upgrade after the house had new electrical boards and earthing bonds renewed. It was unexpected as I already spent money on a separate spur and consumer unit to my system. I was not expecting any gains what so ever as the mains rewire was just because the old mains were quite old and I was advised by electrician to upgrade
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Post by MikeMusic on Aug 21, 2014 15:03:43 GMT
I had big steps up when the house was refurbed. Gutted and brand new electrics. We lived on site and had 3-4 big steps up in sound quality
I played a track for step son on system as described, then put the Isis on an ordinary cable to a switched socket. He's not into hifi but said it sounded quite a bit worse
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