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Has anyone experience with these IEC plugs? They are offered in gold and rhodium plated copper at sensible prices. They are sent from Hong Kong and doubtless made in China, however provided the materials are as described, what's not to like at these prices? Thanks
Follow Ups:
I can't understand this thread. The stuff is so cheap that you can simply buy a sample and tell us how great (or not great) it is. Warn us if it's bad, praise it if it isn't -- in your opinion. Geez.
You've not read the thread fully! [But I don't blame you, there's been a lot of stupid replies!]I bought 3 of these last year and I can see nothing that alarms me. The plastic bits are well made, the screws fit well, the metal bits are firmly embedded in the mouldings and the cable grip is effective. The sound from my system is certainly not adversely affected - I'm using Belden 19364 screened cable and good quality mains plugs.
What I can't tell you is what the metal quality is - how refined the copper or how thick the rhodium plating. My only gripe is that the polarity markings (+ - and earth symbol) are very feint and on the pin end of the socket. In my view they should be near the screw connectors for the cable. Hope that helps.
Edits: 03/15/17
Between the op refusing to accept any opinion except his own somewhat mysterious one, and others being sucker baited into replying.. A perfect troll bait setup. Congratulations!
This discussion is a classic case of folly all around.
The nonsense from the op, and the foolishness of those trying to reply!
I particularly love the fact the dude ALREADY OWNS some of the item he is asking about.
What a monumental waste of time.
Probably, the real question you need to ask is ... "are they legal for use in your country? That is, do they have the necessary certification for use in your country, ie. BSA, CE, UL, etc?Otherwise, they look good enough!
Edits: 03/11/17 03/11/17 03/11/17
The question has to do with sound quality, not whether or not an AC connector is safety-approved by a governmental agency, which is not always the case when it comes to many audiophile AC delivery products. Furthermore, to say "they look good enough" is entirely against the notion of a true audiophile-quality connector, of which a "look-alike" product can be of great deception when it comes to how it actually sounds from an audiophile POV.
From what I can gather, the OP is not after sound quality, just something functional, cheap, and looks good.
> From what I can gather, the OP is not after sound quality, just something functional, cheap, and looks good.
Absolutely not. I want a good quality plug that won't reduce the quality of the sound I get from my expensive system - otherwise I wouldn't be changing from the supplied power cables.
What I'm asking is "Can anyone positively identify this plug and comment on its quality?". I don't want people saying "if it's a sensible price, it's a fake" Some here have said this without a shred of evidence.
We all know that there are VAST mark-ups at each stage of the retail audio trade and that the fancy IEC plug bought in an audio store will have typically a £50 price tag. We also all know (unless we are totally ignorant of how the audio trade works) that these plugs are essentially not expensive to make (but much more than the few cents ones on standard moulded cables) and the asking price is dictated by those who enjoy the big profits - the importers, distributors and dealers each wanting 100+% mark-up. So if someone close to the manufacturing base buys in big quantities for a big discount and he sells them direct to the consumer from overseas (thus avoiding 25% import duty and sales tax / VAT) with a modest mark-up, he can still make a worthwhile profit.
I suspect that these plugs (advertised on Ebay.uk and Sonar Quest in US) are as genuine as the more costly ones offered by the "audio trade".
If someone can definitively offer FACTS about these plugs, I'd be happy to listen. If people simply say "sensible price equals fake or crap" I'm inclined to suggest they keep their uninformed opinion to themselves. The description of these plugs on the Sonar Quest site clearly states the manufacturer is Oyaide. If they are mis-selling these and they are not made by Oyaide, then they will be prosecuted. Has their claim of manufacture been challenged? Have they been shut down, fined or imprisoned for illegal trading or fraud? I suspect not.
So constructive comments only please. Thanks
So all I can say is you're just a stubborn dude.
On the other hand maybe you really do not get it.
This particular ward of A.A. is for folks who DO think cable and wires and cords and shiny bits matter.
It is NOT for folks who want to argue about cheap stuff is good since it HAS to be just as good since it looks the same.
Or defending the low prices since all that markup must be the reason why the good stuff costs so much. (Since in your mind it has to be the same as the cheap stuff.) LOL
By all means have a rant and avoid answering the question. I shouldn't have come to this particular forum as there are many here who sadly have totally closed minds. I last started a thread here some years ago and received equally unhelpful responses.
I'll try to remember to visit another AA forum where people are open-minded, helpful and will fairly consider a questions asked by others. We want to KNOW the answers to questions not to be fobbed off with the sort of crap you've been spewing out. However thanks to those who've been more constructive.
You have no idea how many lurkers visit Cable Asylum who stay silent rather than post a defensive response every time a question about the audiophile quality of a particular cable, power cord, AC outlet, AC connector, and other audio connectors of so many kinds pass through this forum, and how many posts are either ignored or responded to in a less than favorable way. It's the responsibility of the OP to provide the best attitude to follow within a thread, rather than simply attract an argument in a public forum as your reward.
> It's the responsibility of the OP to provide the best attitude to follow within a thread, rather than simply attract an argument in a public forum as your reward.
Yes, I appreciate that point entirely. Was my original post anything other than a genuine and politely worded enquiry about a product that appears good value? Did my question deserve the bile that some here have spewed out without actually addressing the question objectively?
If people can't answer the question as some obviously can't, they should keep their cretinous and insulting views to themselves
Just to remind those who've chosen to behave so objectionably, the original post read:
"Has anyone experience with these IEC plugs? They are offered in gold and rhodium plated copper at sensible prices. They are sent from Hong Kong and doubtless made in China, however provided the materials are as described, what's not to like at these prices? Thanks"
Please enjoy AA and I have found your posts to be ok, so, all good
I have never used them, so you should try them and let us know if they are any good. Perhaps they will surprise you and us!
I am NOT sure if they are legal, though.
Edits: 03/14/17
You need to go buy yourself a mirror.
Your initial question -- "Has anyone experience with these IEC plugs" -- was answered by me, for one. I replied quite simply that I thought they were a good value for the money, but a far cry from a genuine Oyaide or Furutech. Guess you didn't like that answer. Your response, wanting to know what "magical" properties the Furutech had followed by a dismissal of the "gullable"(sic) audiophiles that would spend money on them is exactly the "cretinous and insulting" view you accuse others of. I figured you were a troll then, and the more you post, the more you prove it.
Thank you both for your constructive comments.
bcowen provided a link to Sonic Quest, a company that offers the identical plug to the US market at a similar price to Gear City who offer it in UK - and probably Europe too.
Do we know anything of Sonic Quest? I'd like to know if they are US-based because if so, they are presumably operating under US trading, copyright and fraud laws. In view of the fact that SQ state that this plug is manufactured by Oyaide. I presume that's probably true - if they are US based. If they operate from outside the US, then I agree one has to be wary.
Has anyone here actually bought these plugs (my original question) and if so, do they agree with me that they are well made and seemingly as specified?
People such as Duster and 3+4=5 have jumped to unsubstantiated assumptions and have followed up by unwarranted rudeness to me for challenging their ignorance of this particular product. If they've never bought or used the plug, then they should have kept their prejudicial feelings to themselves and read comments by any respondents who HAVE bought and used them, rather than accusing me for being naive. I was in the trade side of this industry for several years and I know what sort of mischief the trade gets up to - particularly when it comes to profit margins on accessories such as cables and plugs.
Once they started with their ranting nonsense, I admit that I've wound them up a bit more by questioning their claimed "knowledge" (call me a troll if you wish) but they frankly deserve it. My replies to intelligent responses have, I think been polite and appreciative. I'd still like to get the question of SQ's county of operation answered and to speak with someone who has also bought and use these "sensibly priced" plugs.
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As usual, your impression is spot-on. The OP still does not get it. You don't know how many times I've seen this kind of thread dissolve into a battle of wills against the forum during my 14k plus posts and far more reading of other folk's posts, as if every response is some type of reflection upon the nature of Cable Asylum over the decades. Staying on-topic is the best approach, with staying silent and reading more often being the most informative option if there's nothing better to say or ask in this forum. just my 2 cents
In which case, he got exactly what he was after.
It does not surprise me when the notion of a sensible price comes up when discussing a look-alike audio device that is lower-cost than what might be hoped for. It does not make any sense to pay as little as possible for something that may *look similar* to a reputable audiophile product, but sounds nothing like what a true high-performance design tends to offer. Unbranded/Generic eBay listings should be carefully considered before pulling the trigger on a purchase.
Silly me. Over the years, I have bought mid priced Ics from Cardas, Kimber and Silver Audio. They made an improvement, but nothing major until I tried TG Audio. Old Bob reeled me in with great power cords and $800 Hi Purity ICs. I bought used whenever I was able. Have a complete TG Audio Cary tube system to this day. I started to get into headphone audio a few years ago and discovered WyWires cables. I bought some headphone cables and have wired my two headphone systems with Platinum Ics, Coax and USB digital cables because like TG Audio, they do make a big difference.
Hi Duster,I have never got why people knowingly buy fake knockoffs. There are reputable manufactures who make inexpensive connectors where you know exactly what you are buying. Marinco and Wattgate come to mind. I am sure they would sound better than a gold plated pot-metal connector made in China where they have to put nets around the "dorms" of the workers to catch them when they try to commit suicide. I suspect even hard line objectivist would agree that a connector like this would suck, due to high resistance and poor contact. If you want cheap, go cheap, but you should know what you are getting.
Obviously, I don't expect you to disagree with me, but I keep reading posts like this, speculating on the quality of a "pig in a poke". I am sure there a lots of used car salesman who would like to sell them a car.
Dave
Edits: 03/11/17 03/11/17
Hi Dave,
It's often the case that inexperienced shoppers see something that looks as impressive as what they may have seen at a much higher price, then think the item must be a bargain simply based on appearance. If audiophile-quality was only based on looks, than anything goes. This is the shortfall of many inexpensive Chinese audio connectors and cables, since often enough the manufacturers seem to only pay attention to looks, which is a swindle even if a fake brand name, model, or country of origin is not labeled on the product.
As to mechanical quality and safety issues, in one case the ground prong broke-off of a cheap Chinese AC plug while I was pulling it out of an AC outlet. I had to pull the snapped-off ground prong out of the AC outlet ground slot with a pair of pliers, which was ridiculous. Before it had failed, the same AC plug was found to sound unacceptable due to a plating that looks good for plated jewelry, but had serious sonic problems that I found unacceptable, to my ear. It was an utter waste of money, but I'm sure there are buyers that don't know the difference between a well-designed, high-performance Audio Grade AC connector or AC outlet and what may seem to be a sensibly priced alternative that simply does not deliver the audiophile goods. Safety should be an aspect of a true-value product as a given, while sound quality tends to be discovered and shared by audiophiles based on direct experiences.
Making an argument that the design of an AC connector does not matter since it's just about a basic connection of electricity is the voice of inexperience. When a buyer goes so far as to accuse brands like Furutech and Oyaide as perhaps being a waste of money, it becomes a point of ignorance. I don't feel compelled to explain why it matters, since the OP seems to have already made up his mind about something he's obviously not aware of.
.
The thing about companies like Furutech and Oyaide, is that they tell you what the product is and the pricing is reasonable given the manufacturing difficulties. You are free to decide if it is worth the money in sonic terms. if you buy, you know what you are buying. Like you I can't understand buying cheap, dangerous eye candy where failure could not only cause you hose to burn down, but give cause for your insurance to deny the claim. However, so much of what goes on is beyond my understanding. Denial (de Nile) is not just a river one Egypt. Oh well!
Dave
I agree, Dave. As well as often difficult manufacturing aspects in order to produce an audiophile-quality device, there is a level of R&D and material costs involved in the design of a HQ audiophile product, as well as the primary sonic merits or worth of a sometimes unique or original product within the audiophile marketplace.
There is sometimes a level of intellectual reward for offering a device that delivers the goods, above and beyond the expense of production and marketing. I don't consider a premium price to be unfair or necessarily exorbitant if a certain level of financial reward is necessary in order for a cottage industry audiophile device manufacturer to pay its employees and bills, since many audiophile gear manufacturers don't have the high-sales figures of major consumer electronics marketplace brands, which tend to serve the wants/needs of a less sophisticated intention.
they appear/look safe!legal or not legal that is the question?
Edits: 03/11/17 03/11/17 03/11/17
Rarely is appearance the ultimate judge of quality.
Dave
I am always prepared more for things that do the job better - that's why I have costly speakers, amps, etc - but if a £5 gizmo does the same job as a £70 one, which should I choose? And which would you choose?
How one established the material they're made from I don't know! However to carry a mains current the one inch between the end of a cable and the pin in the socket in the equipment can't be rocket science and the amplifier sound shouldn't be adversely affected as long as it conducts electricity!
An inspection of the IEC plugs I bought from this vendor a few years ago shows they're obviously not unsafe. All the metal parts are adequately secured in sturdy plastic and the screws lighten well.
Oh, your posts seem quite reasonable and I do not think that you are trolling!They may or may not be safe, although they appear safe, but the real question you need to ask is ... "are they legal for use in your country? That is, do they have the necessary certification for use in your country, ie. BSA, CE, UL, etc?
The marketing hype on some of the Furatech models is a bit of a lark, isn't it. I wonder if the Metal/CF covers, being conductive, are actually legal, certainly blingy but legal, maybe!
IMO, connectors definitely make a difference but some of the marketing is a bit of a lark, isn't it.
Edits: 03/11/17 03/11/17 03/11/17 03/11/17 03/11/17
Yes, although quite a lot of good quality China made stuff that is sold here in UK by UK distributors (with the CE mark) can often be bought from Hong Kong at a much lower price without this label These are not fakes but are cheaper because the manufacturers often sell direct and with a small mark-up compared with what importers, distributors and dealers in the UK (and doubtless the US) expect. They can also send this stuff with no tax. As they are low value, the UK Customs allow then in without the usual 4% duty and 20% VAT. If they are selling the item to many markets, it is unlikely they'd mark each one separately according to the address on the package.I have no qualms about buying from China per se but I don't want rubbish. That's why I'm buying screened power cable and good quality plugs and sockets to replace the standard cables supplied with equipment.
The IEC plug I found is labelled as Made in Japan. I have no idea if this is correct (I have no reason to believe it isn't), but it is identical in every way with the one in the link below quoted by a US-based contributor here. Is that supplier (Sonar Quest) US based? If so, I presume they are selling genuine Oyaide plugs (as claimed) with the appropriate safety certificate.
The suggestion that this sort of price for an IEU plug defines it a crap, dangerous and counterfeit is rubbish. It is quite reasonable to expect a manufacturer to be able to make a safe plug that's well constructed with quality materials for £5 / $8 if he keeps his profit margin small and it can avoid the imposition of tax. We are mugs if we are happily conned into thinking we need to pay 10 or 15 times that price simply because it's aimed at the "audio" market and we accept the addition of several layers of huge percentage profit along the line.
However if this item (and the identical Sonar Quest one) is fake, I'd like to know the facts. I would be the mug if these plugs are fake and are made from crap material!
Edits: 03/11/17
However to carry a mains current the one inch between the end of a cable and the pin in the socket in the equipment can't be rocket science and the amplifier sound shouldn't be adversely affected as long as it conducts electricity!
If that's your viewpoint on AC connectors, why not just go to Home Depot and buy any old UL listed connector for a couple bucks?
What you've linked appear to be just another branded version of the Sonar Quest plugs. Nothing wrong with them and actually a good value for the money, but a far cry from any genuine Oyaide or Furutech connector.
Cullen thought enough of the Sonar Quests to use them on my Crossover power cord. Don't sound bad to me. I'd have no problem giving them a shot if budget were an issue.
Yes the plugs I have are obviously from the same factory as the Sonar Quest ones.When you say "but a far cry from any genuine Oyaide or Furutech connector" what exactly do you mean? Are these costly plugs any better at conveying the mains power that last inch between the cable and the equipment pin? If so, how do they allow the amplifier to achieve a noticeable improvement in sound?
I'm genuinely interested as if Furutech has some magical way of avoiding the apparent problems that cheaper IEC plugs suffer from, I'd spend the extra money on costly plugs. If however as I suspect, it's a ruse to get more gullable audio fans to believe this last inch of mains transmission is so much better done that they need to spend 10 times as much, I'll stick to £5 plugs. I'd just like to know the difference - apart from the obvious price difference of course! Thanks
PS Look down at the Sonar Quest spec. It says the brand is Oyaide!
Edits: 03/11/17
If however as I suspect, it's a ruse to get more gullable audio fans to believe this last inch of mains transmission is so much better done that they need to spend 10 times as much...
With comments like that, you've made it obvious you're just trolling. There is plenty of information about the differences in quality connectors within this forum, and I have no interest in playing your worn out and stupid little game.
What makes you react in such a way? I'm simply asking what the "real" difference is between the £5 IEC plug that I asked about and a far more costly one.
If you don't know, then why reply in the unhelpful way you have?
If you do know, perhaps you'd enlighten me. Thanks
Since they only 'look good' via image, with no knowledge of them... I would skip the 'gee they are cheap enough' par. And realize why bother with cheap just to be cheap?
Now if someone I TRUSTED, said yeah they are a good deal.. and sond good, an are well made. and the plating it top notch...
Then I would buy them.
I HAVE bought RCA covers similar to the Cardas way cheap from Taiwan via eBay. So for some stuff, I am good with from Asia.
> I would skip the 'gee they are cheap enough' par.
Please re-read my posting before making such remarks
I guess I cannot fathom the 'issue' you want to fuss about.
You ASKED: ""what's not to like at these prices?""
Which is a comparison to cheap or 'thrifty' or lower priced than others.
If it is the exact way the phrase was coined?
Not sure.
Anyway I see nothing wrong with the phrase, and would use it again without pause.
If you want to bother explaining why you think it is a problem???
Maybe you do not want to come across as a cheapskate?
Hell I am cheap when it suits me. As when I mentioned buying a copy of Cardas RCA caps. So what?
3+4=5 - Your powers of language and logic seems as confusing as your powers at mathematics.
I think we should agree to differ and leave it at that.
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I think I can answer my own question!
I find that I already have some of these sockets and they are actually made in Japan and are very well constructed. The ones I have are actually these which are marked C-004
I think what you have there is a Chinese made Oyaide fake. I would not be surprised if it was brass under the plating.
nt
Seems painfully obvious doesn't it.
I agree that it is bootleg. Also agree that it is likely brass(at best, and quite possibly something worse).
Fancy gold and rhodium plating hide inferior base materials.
I have found the base material in most Chinese made RCA's and binding posts to be some sort of silver colored "mystery metal". Possibly pot metal.
But hey! they are gold plated so they must be good.
.
Freak out...Far out...In out....
.
Wow Oyaide plugs for only $5!!
What a bargain!!
.
Oh well, at least I have a lot of stuff...:-)
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