Having searched our forum, I couldn’t find an answer as such to this.
I have a dedicated, 10mm mains supply, with a MK double gang socket. This goes to its own dedicated Consumer Unit.
I have changed my system recently, with the introduction of a Switch, ADOT (Audiophile Digital Optical Technology) and a Melco digital Music Library. I’ve simply run out of wall sockets.
At the moment I’m using a £9.99 power strip! This is probably knocking out all the good that the Melco S100 Switch was doing.
I have read the posts on various Power Distribution Blocks, ranging from MCRU to Chord Powerhaus and all those in between. I have also read the DIY distribution block posts, which could also be an option?
So, with regard to SQ and ‘noise’, would it be better to add another two double gang MK sockets, or purchase a high end Mains Distribution Block? (Without filters, neons, etc…)
The dedicated supply is on a Radial circuit, so no issues adding sockets.
It’s generally best to keep digital electronics isolated from the HiFi equipment as much as possible. So I would put the server and network stuff on a separate mains circuit and put some physical distance between them.
I make my own using the same sockets that would be in the wall.
Ideally I’d just add more sockets to the dedicated line you have.
It’s how it’s meant to be.
Little bit messy at first but much better and cost effective too.
Thanks @Skeptikal. I did read your comments on this which were very helpful. I can’t remember what you said about the internal cable size? It would certainly be cheaper.
@DJM
Hi if it’s my own trailing sockets “loads of info about them on search “
Its BELDEN 19364 SCREENED AUDIOPHILE MAINS CABLE 2.08MM 14 AWG OFC & BELDFOIL SHIELD
Internally and to the MK tough plug MK 655WHI
Works great and is to code.
I agree with ChrisSU, only the audio on the dedicated 10mm supply and have the network, server & other stuff with SMPS’s on a separate supply, a normal 2.5mm ring main is all you need, and if that means a trailing multi socket, no problem.
It is, of course, a little more complicated than that. The distinction between HiFi equipment and network equipment has been blurred by the arrival of audiophile grade networking gear such as your Melco switch. Many such devices have quite basic consumer grade switching gear in them, but powered by HiFi style linear power supplies rather than wall warts. Then there’s the fancy aluminium cases that encourage some people to display them on the HiFi rack. I think you just need to keep an open mind and be prepared to experiment with connections and location, see what sounds best to you, and accept the inevitable fact that subconscious bias may already have clouded your judgement
Take a look at Olson Hospital Grade 4 or 6 way. Switched or unswitched. Quality separate sockets. Good quality professional wiring. Tested & certificated. They will also do custom versions with quick lead times - drawing provided before production (not much extra). I had a 4 way, with IEC socket to replace the standard high quality captive lead. IEC provides a bit more flexibility, plus without the Neon. No filtering or the like. Just good quality, well made, safe & effective.
That should’t be too difficult @Mike-B. I live in a Bungalow and can drop a new 2.5 down from the loft. No chasing either, as it’s a stud wall, built 100mm in front of the brick wall.
It could go back to the same Consumer Unit as the 10mm Radial, or would that then compromise the dedicated supply?
Hi not meaning to be rude as not directed to me but just for times sake.
That would be the same as plugging it into a block or trailing socket.
Albeit the disturbance if any would have to go back to source.
If it were me I would just extend the radial you have to add more sockets or drop another seperate from the first one if it has to be separated SMPS etc.
If you’ve already gone to the work of a dedicated radial then another for different equipment would be ideal.
Do remember they all meet eventually but less pollution at the point of source.
@DJM, no real “correct or best” way for this. Going back to the dedicated main for the network and other stuff can add noise onto the dedicated 230v supply.
Connecting up to the regular ring main power can bring household power pollution to the network.
Given a choice, considering you’ve gone to the trouble of installing a dedicated supply, I would hook up to the regular ring main.
I have my network, router, NAS and switch on the regular ring main, but it’s all powered through a UPS with its internal 1:1 surge transformer and C&D Mode choke filter, plus I have the 230v wires and the SMPS DC wires loaded with frequency specific ferrite.
And no @Skeptikal, you’re not rude, extra input always welcome even if I do disagree.
Even if it has its own dedicated 2.5 T&E and a separate RCBO? It would just share the same Consumer Unit as the dedicated 10mm. Or, is there still potential for ‘noise’?
I found that keeping the separate consumer unit for HiFi strictly separate from any other stuff to be key to getting a performance uplift, so I would run any such equipment from a circuit on your main house CU if possible.
I use multiple 10mm radial circuits back to a dedicated consumer unit. I connect everything to do with the hifi inc cisco switch and synology nas. In my system everything benefitted from this. Each item has its own 10mm circuits.
This is probably knocking out all the good that the Melco S100 Switch was doing.
