Another friend from the UK.

Firstly, we have our own problems, in that we're obliged to fit fuses, unless you use EU regs to get around this like I do and use Schucko euro plugs, which sound better.

I disagree it's 'all snake oil apart from the clamping force' having tried various solutions. The ability to take larger gauge wire and provide a constant clamp force on the bare cable ends internally is equally important (ever revisited wall sockets a year or so after installation? The screws will almost certainly need 'nipping up') and also plated plugs offer benefits in terms of never needing a clean (corrosion increases contact resistance).

For all these reasons and because in my system they sound significantly better I use Wattgate plugs/sockets where I can (although I can't use the mains outlets here as they're not rated for UK mains). Definitely worth a look, better than Fururtech IMO - they are carefully plated so as not to introduce corrosion under the plating, have 'Permaclamp' large gauge terminals for the inner wires, and very high pressure contact clamps for the plug connections. The IEC plugs/sockets are also excellent and easily retrofitted.

By the way, some people prefer silver plating, personally I think Gold is better, superior corrosion resistance (although allegedly silver oxide is more conductive than silver anyway) YMMV.

Cheers,

James

Last edited by 3dit0r; 2013-11-30 16:13.
HC: 861v4/ID40/LPS, DSP5000, DSP5000VC, DSP3100, SW1600, HD621, Oppo BDP-105, Sony VPL-HW55ES
2-Channel: Oppo BDP-105, TEAC VRDS-7/Trichord Clock 3/PSU, 551, Quad 303, Harbeth Compact 7ES-3, Kimber cables, Russ Andrews mains and supports.
Previous Meridian: 5000C, 5200SL, 7200.2, 6000, 562V.2, 568.2mm, 800v4, 808.2i, 818v2/v3, 861v8, 502