Best non current limiting outlet and power cables, no fudge!

Bemopti123 · « **on:** 17 Apr 2005, 09:16 pm »

Looking for a 4 power outlet, that does not limit current, but with just no nonsense construction with the best sonics. I have seen too many companies, but things like PS, i feel more dollars are spent on branding rather than sound.
Then, there are one man companies like VH cables. Chris' items seem decently priced, but then, is there a unknown or non popular company out there are makes decent 4 power outlets that do not cost close to $300? or perhaps I am just expecting too much for the price. If someone can tell me what sound swell or tell me that $300 is the bare minimum, then, I will have no choice but to purchase something like Chris' hotbox.

Also, I am looking for a pair of powercables to run a pair of highly modded Opamp based monoblocks and also my First Sound Paramount Hot Rod MKII.

There are too many choices out there and shall I say, I am a little confused?

Any anecdotes and outright endorsements would be most appreciated!

SET Man · « **Reply #1 on:** 17 Apr 2005, 09:52 pm »

Hey! Paul,
I see you need 4 outlet box/strip. Why not build one yourself?

Here is the wires. I'm thinking of getting some to run between my PS Audio P600 and pre.
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&PartNumber=100-790&DID=7&raid=42&rak=100-790

This is the plug I'm using right now between the PS P600 and my pre and amps.
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=110-442

For the socket. The PS audio is very good but yes they are expensive. I'm currently using a 20A orange hopital grade on my 20A outlet and Leviton 20A plug + 12ga Carol rubber jacket runing from living room to my room and into the P600. So, the orange type Leviton seem to work just fine. For the box you could use the squre outlet box that you find at Home Depot or just get a metal cased outlet stripe, gut the inside and put in the better socket and wire yourself and safe some money

Hope this help.

Anyway, good luck.
Buddy

ohenry · « **Reply #2 on:** 17 Apr 2005, 10:20 pm »

Here's a project that's along the lines of SET Man's recommendation. It's not too hard and you could use the wire and hardware of your choice if range cords and Hubbels don't float your boat.

http://www.audiotweaks.com/diy/ac_outletc/page01.htm

It's on my to do list... along with many other time-sucking activities.

rosconey · « **Reply #3 on:** 17 Apr 2005, 10:21 pm »

look for a stanley contractor outlet-has 6outlets and extra strong grip of plugs and a rubber cap for the outlet-well built-its yellow metal with grey rubber ends-cost under 20$-made so guys with hard draw tools can share a outlet-
try one before you spend big bucks-i found mine at grossmans mr seconds for 8-9 dollars

Bemopti123 · « **Reply #4 on:** 18 Apr 2005, 12:19 am »

All plans seem intriguing. But, why do I have an aversion to the plastic box as shown in the DIY page? Of course, one can get a metal version somewhere in Home Depot. The project seems easy especially when looking at the pics.

BobMajor · « **Reply #5 on:** 19 Apr 2005, 11:13 am »

Signal Cable has a nice 4 outlet unit that is reasonable if you don't want to get involved in DIY. Here is the link:
http://signalcable.com/magicextension.html
The Cable---

10 AWG 3 conductor twisted design features:
99.9% pure stranded copper for maximum conductivity
UL listed and CSA certified
Temperature range: -40ø C to +90ø C
Voltage rating: 300 volts
Max. Amps @ 120V: 30A

$109.00 with 6 feet Magic Power Cord terminated with the Ultra High quality Marinco 15A Hospital Grade Male Plug and Hubbell 4-Plex High Quality 20A Outlet Box. Cord length can be customized.

20 Amp Hubbell Male Plug is available at No Extra Cost.

Occam · « **Reply #6 on:** 19 Apr 2005, 01:14 pm »

I'm in Rosconey's cheap bastard camp.....

I've not seen the Stanley version, but I did pick up a Tower Manufacturing Corp. 4plex box at the local Lowes on 9th Street in Brooklyn.
http://www.towermfg.com/gfci.htm
the last entry, and while its listed on the page with GFCIs, it doesn't have one.
Upon opening it up, I found a lovely implementation with Cu alloy bussbars. The 15a breaker/switch's light is easily disabled with a snip, and a Volex 17604/5 cord fits easily. Breakers are generally far prefferable to a switch and fuse. Plenty of room to fit an accross the line X2 cap and/or surge varistors, tvss, etc....

That being said, the Hubbel 4plex plate as used by VdH and Signal is very high quality, and if you don't want to muck about, the SignalCables version seems very reasonable, though I've no experience with them.

Additionally, Furman, who has some audiophile cred, has similar products available from Parts Express -
http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?&DID=7&WebPage_ID=305#accessories

Is your aversion to plastic boxes technical of aesthetic?

tyee · « **Reply #7 on:** 19 Apr 2005, 03:08 pm »

Try the Wiremold L10320. It has no switches, circuit breakers, line "conditioning" or blinky lights. Naim audio recommends this model only!!

Check this page -- http://www.naimusa.com/2004_site/html/power.html

I got 3 from Allied Electronics for about $35Cdn each. There are 9 outlets per strip.

http://www.alliedelec.com/cart/ProductDetail.asp?SKU=533-9218&SEARCH=wiremold+L10320&ID=&DESC=L10320

Good deal!

tyee

Hantra · « **Reply #8 on:** 19 Apr 2005, 03:18 pm »

I concur with the "build one" faction. I am building a balanced power thingy right now and am using Wattgate 381's. If you want the best sounding outlets. . well. . there ain't no better sounding outlet than the Wattgate.

I've tried a few back to back with the Wattgate and it just owns all others. I know they're expensive. But we're talking about a hobby where some people will pay hundreds of dollars for some "magic rocks". At least the Wattgate outlets are based on real world science, and to my ears, they are as good an upgrade as one can buy for the price.

tvyankee · « **Reply #9 on:** 19 Apr 2005, 04:47 pm »

hey guys.

you might want to check tom at hudson audio he his a smart guy and he knows alot about cable.he has be building cables for over twenty years and none of his stuff sucks.

buy the way i use the quad box that he makes and it is 1st rate.

he uses the best stuff out there and his prices are really good.

http://www.hudsonaudio.net/prod_cables_audiopath.htm

good luck.

tvyankee · « **Reply #10 on:** 19 Apr 2005, 04:59 pm »

hey guys,

tom over at hudson audio makes a kick ass box for a good price and uses all the best stuff.this box looks good and sounds good as well.i use one in my own system on my mono blocks and it dosen't color the sound.

he's a good guy and he is willing to work with you as well.

http://www.hudsonaudio.net/prod_cables_audiopath.htm

good luck.