MusicWorks ReFlex Ultra G3 Distribution Box

J.N. has put the cat among the pigeons and asked whether, given the benefits the upgrade has brought, it might be a good idea to try the power amp in the block rather than into its own socket. Something to try I guess but not for the moment.

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When my dealer installed my G3 block he plugged the power-amp’s PSU into it. Previously the PSU was plugged into its own wall socket, a configuration he had recommended, so I think the G3 block changes conventional wisdom on this issue. Of course, it’s fairly easy to try.

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When I got my G3 I plugged both the 555PS and 300PS into it. Previously I’d had them both plugged directly into a double wall socket. If the 300 had stayed connected to the wall the only thing in the block would have been the 555. The block made a significant improvement and now has my NAT05 as well, which was previously on the ring main. My Rega P1 remains on the ring: one day I’ll try it on the block too.

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I have recently had the G3 Mains block installed when I replaced the Lite version 3 weeks ago. I also bought a 252 and 300DR at the same time. My dealer who set it all up for me plugged the G3 into the mains socket with a Powerline and simply plugged the 300PS, XPSDR and SupercapDR into the G3.

After hearing all of the rave reviews on here and not a single bad word I have decided to buy (blind) a MusicWorks G3 Peek’d to potentially replace my WireWorld Matrix. I already have a PowerLine in my Matrix so it will be much as everyone else uses it.

Worst case scenario, a Matrix G3 with Peek base will be on eBay next time the £1 listing offer comes around!

Hoping to see what all the fuss is about! Should arrive tomorrow and be installed sometime before the weekend!

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My G2, soon to be G3, also replaced a WireWorld Matrix II, so looking forward to hearing your views on the G3.

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How was the jump from matrix to G2?
Cheers
Gary

Do you know FC, after four or five weeks you tend to forget.

From a faded memory, the G2 just made everything hang together a little better with more air around instruments and vocals, and a tad more ‘solidity’ for want of a better word.

These flippin’ ears of mine are plain greedy. I give them better SQ, they get used to it and then want more. And then you put on an album you haven’t heard since the last upgrade and it blows you away!

Funny old game this!

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So true Nigel! Thanks for your reply.
Gary

Almost the same experience we went through going from original G3 to the upgraded version… interesting.

Interesting. A couple of years ago I tried the predecessor block and found it significantly less dynamic, more congested and less detailed than my Powerigel.

I also like the idea of less fuses and contacts in the Powerigel design, but won’t let theory outweigh what my ears tell me.

I tried the Powerigel Plus, which is basically the same design but with Powerline cables and found that although it had a lower noise floor it also lost (classical) instrumental and vocal texture, so - to my surprise - it was a no-go. I have found the same thing with the Powerline.

Recently, the Powerblack leads from Custom Hifi Cables impressed me so I have ordered one of their distribution blocks (similar to a Powerigel but square and with exactly the number of cables you require - the Powerigel starts from six). I’ll report back when I get it.

I’m not really tempted by this new Musicworks block, since it really would have to be very much better than its predecessor to match the Powerigel. That said, has anyone compared the two?

Alastair gave me the strong hint that the new base was NOT a DIY job, so next time I am there I shall ask for a demonstration (not enough time yesterday with an appointment at the hospital limiting my time) so that I can assess the difference between non-PEEK base G3 and the PEEK-base version. I have been ‘conditioned’ to expect big things and will ahve my ‘old’ block with me ‘just in case’. And the advice for power amps is to keep those plugged into a spare wall socket (on your dedicated line) if you have one, but it is an easy audition to do.

I’ve ordered a Peek base from my local Audio T. As they have never changed a base, and indeed never seen a G3 till I bought mine, I wonder what benefit there is to them doing it rather than me. Maybe MusicWorks include instructions.

They do include instructions Nigel…You will be fine, everyone is covering their backsides as their will always be one idiot that does not read the instructions and changes the base with it connected to the mains power. Per earlier post don’t lose the little grey washers made of peek that are under the screw-head. They make a SQ difference apparently and are relatively expensive. Keep us posted, take care.

Thanks Gary. As it happens I’ve just spoken to MusicWorks and the chap who wrote the instructions said it was an easy five minute job, and that if I got stuck I could call for guidance. He also said that they use it on the carpet and preferred it to a stone base. Shame I’ve ordered a piece of granite!!

Alistair was a bit more open to hard versus carpet, though. But good that the musicworks guy did not try to put you off from changing the base…it really us a 5 minute job. Have fun👍

I think I may have got my G2 and G3 mixed up. I have the latest ReFlex Ultra but with the standard base, not the Peek base and assumed it was a G2, whereas infact it is a G3. New Peek base due to be added soon.

So wherever I have referred to G2, I should have said G3. Sorry for any confusion.

I look forward to hearing about the night and day, game-changing difference. I am sure it will be in a different league! :wink:

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Michael, now you wouldn’t be putting word in my mouth, would you?

I will report back, hopefully avoiding the usual meaningless hype.

Meaningless hype? Bit of cliche, wouldn’t you say? But then some of us struggle for words :slight_smile:

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