Mains power cables and block.

I've done some extensive listening with power cables i've had in the system. I've had a Van Den Hul Mainstream BS (£350) and Russ Andrews Sig PowerKord (£389) to name drop a couple  and ive tried some less exotic types also with and without mains conditioning.

The outcome is that i use shielded mains cable off e-bay for £30 a go because i couldnt hear any diffference whatsoever with a standard kettle lead but opted for sheilded because of that reason.

The conditioner has gone and i plug the amp directly into the wall socket and digital off a good quality mains extention, job done.

fair enough shooter, any more opinions?

I rate the Copper-Line Alpha from this crowd: http://www.cleareraudio.com/

If you can get s/h Chord powerchord(orange) from ebay it will do the trick. I got mine for £37 each s/h from the same seller.They are significant upgrade to the standard Naim mains cable they replaced with less background noise specially when connected to source components.

Hi krish123

The standard mains cables supplied with your components are decent. I'll recommend using these standard mains cables for all of your electronics.

Btw, in the first instance I'll suggest plugging your components directly into wall sockets however if this is not possible then mains blocks from Wilkinson Stores are excellent.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

thanks for the replies so far guys. 

i have read the clearer audio copperline is a decent mains cable. 

Also the tacima mains block seems a cheap but effective upgrade? 

i can only plug one component directly into the mains, atm i have my preamp directly . is this the best thing to be plugged in directly or maybe the cd player? 

iv heard the 550k respond well with better power cords so will give them a try. 

id like to smooth the sound if possible , reduce any 'rough edges' to the music. 

more opinions and reccomendations welcome...

Plug the Power amp into the socket. I'm not a fan of the Tacima, but others have found it works well.....just don't plug your power amp into it.

i would but i need 2 plugs as i have monoblocs. and the power cable wont reach to the next set of plugs, bit annoying :/.

What was your results with the tacima block? 

Get an electrician to loop another socket off the existing one. It will cost more than an extension lead, but its a good long term solution.

As for power cords, ive had great results with a few different makes of cable.

The tacima mains block is a instant noticeable upgrade. you'll find that your music will become more spacious sounding, and it really tidys up the outcome of what your playing.

I agree with Matt as to the best solution.

Re the Tacima, I found it strangled the amp, and the other components sounded better plugged directly into the wall. IMO Conditioning can't be done cheaply and well.

Agreed, sucks the life out of amps. Digital sources dont sound much different tbh, nice block construction though.

+2 Mattspl, dedicated loop is much better upgrade than mains cables, pref, dedicated spur off the main unit, bit more dosh though.

Listening to: Beth Jeans Houghton and the Hooves of Destiny.

I'm using these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Quality-Shielded-Mains-Cable-MK-Dplug-Schurter...

Bought 2 for £30, even better value...

I have tried several cables, none of any particular note and some extravagent DIY cables of varying flavours, all in the interests of science of course.

None made the slightest difference.

My AV kit is now on its own dedicated ring circuit and this too, has made no discernable difference to the sound. It is safer now though and I can isolate any/all of my equipment individually and it has enabled me to dispense with a Tescos own extension lead and block, which trailed around the room in an unsightly manner.

So the only improvements were aesthetics and safety, which is enough for me.

iv seeen some cables on ebay from W&M audio and there power cables seem decent. any1 had experience with them?