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DIY Power Distributor

108.210.70.243

Posted on May 18, 2017 at 20:43:20
pixelphoto
Audiophile

Posts: 655
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: December 15, 2009















DIY Power Distributor

BUILD

With encouragement and guidance from Duster I have built a high quality power distributor (my ears tell me so) for a modest sum of U.S. dollars. I'd like to share the build with you; especially with those of you who have never considered doing it yourself. Like I always say if I can do it so can you. After reviewing Duster's suggested high quality parts (links listed below) I ordered them. However for a moment I did balk at the cost of the distributor box; but then decided I deserved it. Parts arrived from near and far over a ten day period. I'm thinking this is going to be an easy project.

Finally all the necessary parts and tools are on my work/dining table. Here we go. For wiring the three outlets I used one foot of VH Audio cryo'd Unshielded Twisted Pair (Flavor 2 type) 12 AWG bulk power cable, and a 10 AWG mil-spec SPC/PTFE Teflon ground wire for ground. I kept it simple by daisy chaining the three outlets to the IEC inlet. This wiring scheme worked well in my previous power bar project and as I said its simple. You'll be stripping the wire apart to get the pieces you'll need. Use an X-Acto tool or razor blade for this. If you use VH wire be advised that it is very stiff. I suggest you lay the outlets in the face of the cover plate and measure the length of wire you need to cut. Once you have the three outlets connected via the links you just cut place them in the box. Place the cover over them and hold the one nearest the IEC connector in place while removing the cover plate and estimate the length of wire you need to cut for connecting to the IEC connector's L, N and GRND prongs. If you use the VH Audio wire, too much will make it difficult to mesh the outlets to the face plate because the wire is so darn stiff and space between the outlet and IEC connector is limited. Cut the necessary lengths of wire and attach them to the outlet. Now bend the wire as in the image above. Place the three outlets in the box and solder the three wires, L, N and GRND to the corresponding prongs on the IEC connector. Note that the outlets and the IEC inlet have markings indicating L (live), N (neutral) and the ground symbol or maybe GRND. These can be difficult to see but they are there.

The WIMA caps are for noise suppression and will require a short extension to be soldered to the stubby wires at the base of the caps. I used pieces of the popular Western Electric 16AWG for this purpose. It might be frustrating to align the two wires together so I suggest tinning the wires with solder to assist in the connection. Once done with soldering you'll want to mount the caps across the live (L) and neutral (N) of each outlet (see image).

A few final details. Before buttoning down the cover plate wiggle those wires, you don't want any loose ones. Get your multimeter out and check for continuity between connections. Attach the cover plate. Attach a PC to the finished product along with a Sperry (or similar) three pronged outlet checker; double yellow lights, good to go. Oh, one last thing; affix your choice of footers to your new high quality power distributor.

Well that was easy; see I told you so!

RESULTS

After 160 plus hours of burn in I sat down for an extended listening session. Streaming Tidal I listened to one of my favorite Aron Copland albums; "The Copland Collection". I have always thought of his music as colorful and visual and this time even more so. The sound was relaxed and flowed with ease and had greater clarity and a roundness I'd never heard before. The soundstage was wider and taller. There was more separation between instruments. There was also a more natural sounding decay. I also could hear more detail at all levels. Above all the sound was very musical and emotionally involving. So for several hours I floated along on a magic carpet of audio bliss savoring the colorful images Mr. Copland's music creates.

This project has really brought my system to life. I can say that of all the tweaks I've installed into my system this one is amongst the top four.

I imagine there will be some of you who disagree with the use of caps for noise suppression and the wire scheme I chose to use and that's fine. If you decide to build this project build it your way. There's more than one way to build a power distributor and this was one of them.

Thanks to Duster for his sharing and guidance in this very enjoyable project.

Parts and Sources
Copy & Past Links

IEC: ($15.00)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Furutech-Power-IEC-Inlet-G-Input-Power-Connector-24k-Gold-Plated-/401242155340
Distributor box: ($86.88)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HIFI-US-AC-Power-Strip-Bar-Distributor-Aluminum-6-Outlet-Box-HIFI-Chassis-/291971834028
Outlets: ($68.97)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/162360092708?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&fromMakeTrack=true
VH wire: ($21.28): One foot of VH Audio cryo'd Unshielded Twisted Pair (Flavor 4 type) 12 AWG bulk power cable, and a 10 AWG mil-spec SPC/PTFE Teflon ground wire for a low-impedance path to ground. https://www.vhaudio.com/wire.html#bulkacwire
CAPS for noise suppression. WIMA MP3-X2 0.1uf 250V 10% Metallized Paper Capacitor: ($12.00)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/232230169078?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
#10 Terminal Rings for 12-10 AWG wire. Used to attach the ground wire to the outlets. Found at your local hardware store.

Reference: ‎www.10audio.com/diy_power_conditioner.htm

 

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RE: DIY Power Distributor, posted on May 18, 2017 at 21:50:08
jhrlrd
Audiophile

Posts: 135
Joined: October 21, 2014
Nice!
Any thought to use NCF outlets? or lining the box with damping material?

 

RE: DIY Power Distributor, posted on May 19, 2017 at 05:23:44
Real nice. Don't forget to use silver conductive grease on the connections. (CW7100). It has gotten a bit pricey these days. T456

 

RE: DIY Power Distributor, posted on May 19, 2017 at 08:48:17
jea48
Audiophile

Posts: 6770
Joined: January 5, 2005
Just a suggestion.

You could have used solid core copper wire for the hot and neutral conductors connections from one duplex receptacle to the next. Instead of breaking the wire at each receptacle terminal plate connection instead run each hot and neutral wire continuous unbroken from one duplex receptacle to the next.

Method.
The wire will be unbroken and will half loop/curl around under the terminal screw head of each outlet. Carefully remove just enough of the insulation from the wire that will be curled under the terminal screw. You can start with the last duplex outlet in the string and work toward the feed end so you can form the hot and neutrals wires for a neat and consistent looking job.
Jim

Edit:

This wiring method eliminates the outlet devices being used as a feed through connection. It also eliminates 4 additional connections when the outlets are daisy chained together as you have then now. The fewer the connections in the circuit the better.

 

RE: DIY Power Distributor, posted on May 19, 2017 at 14:56:20
IMHO you did just fine using stranded wire in this unit. From my experience stranded sounds better in AC power supply application. If I'm not mistaken I believe Duster concurs with this. Also it's likely that a metallized polyprop cap would sound better. You could go higher in value if the x type cap in MPP would fit as long as it is across the ac as this is. T456

 

2.2uf MKP safety caps on ebay MKP, posted on May 19, 2017 at 15:29:12
Polypropylene Safety Capacitor 225K 275V 2.2UF 2200NF Pitch 27mm
$1.49 Free Shipping
Buy It Now
Watch
View Details
These are on ebay and are marked MKP metalized PP Across the ac only, just like you are using them. T456

 

RE: DIY Power Distributor, posted on May 19, 2017 at 16:44:13
bcowen
Audiophile

Posts: 1076
Location: North Carolina
Joined: December 19, 2015
Pixel,

Nice job! And many thanks for the nice photos and taking the time to share the details.

I bought the fully assembled e-TP60 (from Chris VH, incidentally) about a year ago. It has the Furutech FPX-G outlets as standard, and provided a nice improvement right out of the box. But I couldn't leave well enough alone, and just had to tweak it. So after buying the right bit to get the center-pin Torx screws out, I rewired it with Neotech 12 gauge PCOCC copper wire. And I'm glad I decided to tweak it -- one of the factory wires to the center outlet pulled right out with my fingers. The screw had been tightened, but not nearly enough. Really surprised me getting a Furu product like that, but I guess any manufacturer has a flaw every now and then. Replaced the IEC with the Furu FI-06G (screw terminals rather than solder lugs), and added some Herbies baby booties to the bottom. Another step up in performance. And then I ran it on the Audiodharma cable cooker for about a week, and another step up. For the total outlay (including tweaks) of about $425, it serves very nicely as a power distribution box. Don't have any caps in mine, but may cogitate on that a bit. :)




 

RE: DIY Power Distributor, posted on May 19, 2017 at 21:56:42
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
The late Al Sekela recommended the WIMA MP3-X2 as a superior sounding X-cap, and I also find it performs better than a typical metallized polypropylene X-cap safety capacitor. I have in turn recommended the cap to pixelphoto for his application, since that's what I also use for my own DIY power line distributor. A 0.1uf 250V value WIMA MP3-X2 metallized paper capacitor is just fine for the application.

 

RE: DIY Power Distributor, posted on May 19, 2017 at 22:36:49
Then again for a couple of bucks he could a b them and find out for himself through his own experience. A major part of what this hobby is about.

 

RE: DIY Power Distributor, posted on May 19, 2017 at 23:09:34
Pixelphoto, I'll give you my personal, money back guarantee that if you use one 2.2 mkp x type safety cap in substitution for the 3 .1uf paper caps that it will sound better. Hell, if you promise to try it I'll even buy it for you if you give me your name and address. Just report your opinion of the change. If you like the change than you can send me my $1.50 back. Opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one but you can't form one without direct experience OF YOUR OWN, IMHO. T456

 

RE: DIY Power Distributor, posted on May 20, 2017 at 16:43:15
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002



I suggest evaluating the particular WIMA MP3-X2 based on direct experience rather than an unqualified opinion. For $12 delivered, try placing one on four important AC outlets within your AC delivery system.

It's a beautiful looking example of German engineering for little cash outlay. If you have doubts about a modest 0.1uf value, research the web for information about the use of an X-2 capacitor for AC line filtering applications.

See link:

 

Kemet series R46 X type safety capacitors, posted on May 21, 2017 at 05:59:47
Jezz, they go all the way up to 10uf for an across the line Type X Safety cap. Humm, wonder why that is? Metallized polyprop also. Humm, wonder why that is? They are even in blue. My favorite color. Humm, I wonder if different types of x type capacitors could or would sound different from each other? I just guess I'll never know unless some "expert" tells me or maybe if I actually try different ones and see for myself?? All the way up to 10uf, man, now were talkin'. T456

 

RE: Kemet series R46 X type safety capacitors, posted on May 21, 2017 at 06:11:18
bcowen
Audiophile

Posts: 1076
Location: North Carolina
Joined: December 19, 2015
I just guess I'll never know unless some "expert" tells me or maybe if I actually try different ones and see for myself??


Here's an idea. Perhaps you should practice what you preach rather than just preaching about things you're continually clueless about?








 

RE: Kemet series R46 X type safety capacitors, posted on May 21, 2017 at 08:15:59
pixelphoto
Audiophile

Posts: 655
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: December 15, 2009
Tweaker456,
Thanks for the input. Nuff said. I'm gonna listen to some beautiful music now; try it yah might like it.

pixelphoto (Marvin)

 

RE: Kemet series R46 X type safety capacitors, posted on May 21, 2017 at 12:35:13
I do like it. I use lots of metallized PP across the ac. Why would you assume I don't listen to music? There are 24 hours in a day. IMO a tweakers forum is there, in part, to talk of how improvements are made. That's what tweaking is. Since you are not the only one on this forum maybe someone else will gain from it. T456

 

RE: DIY Power Distributor, posted on May 21, 2017 at 16:46:58
pixelphoto
Audiophile

Posts: 655
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: December 15, 2009
Hi jhrld,
I'm on a tight budget so I can't afford to audition to many outlets. I am very pleased with the ones I installed in the power distributor. They have made a huge difference in the sound quality of my system. I'm so pleased with them I'll soon be adding another at the wall along with a carbon fiber cover plate.
As to damping I've used rope caulk to good effect and did put some in the power box after listening to it awhile. It did help.


Keep going forwards,
pixelphoto

 

RE: DIY Power Distributor, posted on May 21, 2017 at 16:50:10
pixelphoto
Audiophile

Posts: 655
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: December 15, 2009
Hi becowen,
Thanks for the kind words


keep going forwards,
pixelphoto

 

RE: DIY Power Distributor, posted on May 21, 2017 at 16:55:24
pixelphoto
Audiophile

Posts: 655
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: December 15, 2009
Hi jea48;
Your suggestion makes sense. I just might try it on my older power distributor as I daisy chained that one too. Thank you!


keep going forwards,
pixelphoto

 

RE: DIY Power Distributor, posted on May 21, 2017 at 16:59:08
pixelphoto
Audiophile

Posts: 655
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: December 15, 2009
Hi Tweaker456,
I've been using SilClear on all the connections in my system. I'm not sure if I hear a difference though.

Keep going forwards,
pixelphoto

 

RE: DIY Power Distributor, posted on May 21, 2017 at 21:00:24
Well Pixelphoto, there are many that do. One person on this site reported that the silver grease he used was one of the best, if not the best tweak he had done if I remember correctly. EVERYONE who I've have turned on to this locally has been impressed with Circuit Works CW7100, both audiophile and non audiophile. Nothing ventured nothing gained. I must say that in another another perceptual realm, that of ESP, you seem to excel. Your detailed knowledge of how long I listen to music is extremely impressive. Can you teach me how to do that? T456

 

Here is what inmate MannyE has to say about silver grease, posted on May 21, 2017 at 21:13:28
2: My Favorite Tweak (so far) (9.45) Open this result in new window
Posted by MannyE on 2014-10-11, 21:47:56 (108.235.157.25)
It's my favorite because it took me out of the "tweaks are stupid" camp and taught me to try everything before scoffing. Silver conductive grease. Placed on every connection (ICs, tube pins, speaker .......

Now, as I have mentioned before, I use CW7100 silver conductive only on PS connections,not in the signal path.

 

A comment on CW 7100 silver grease by the well respected Al Sekela, posted on May 21, 2017 at 21:25:00


Circuit Works Silver Conductive Grease CW7100
Posted by Al Sekela (A) on June 19, 2006 at 13:59:49
In Reply to: Some suggestions anyway posted by bartc on June 19, 2006 at 05:55:37:

from Mouser Electronics. About $20.
So far, after several months, there is no change in performance upon retreatment of connections. The initial treatments did give positive changes. This tells me this stuff is stable.

 

A "WOW" review of Silclear silver conductive grease, posted on May 21, 2017 at 21:38:04
nt

 

Comments about AC caps from The Great Capacitor Shootout (5.6-10uf), posted on May 21, 2017 at 22:00:54
"AC Line Filters:

Update: January 2011. A correspondent contacted Mundorf Gmbh in Germany and was informed by Norbert Mundorf that the MCap Supremes "are not X/AC designated." Obviously, I was mislead by the AC rating printed on the cap's wrapper and suggest that you take this into account.

In my own DIY AC line filter, I use a Brick Wall surge suppressor ahead of all caps. Unlike MOV's, it will not deteriorate and fail over time—at least that's the manufacturer's claim.

In theory, the Brick Wall should keep any power surge from reaching the caps to begin with, so that any cap from any manufacturer should be safe to use behind it in this application. Mundorf MCap Supremes still have an advantage because their high DC rating means that the insulating film is relatively thick. In addition, they come in unusually high values for a film-type cap. However, without the Brick Wall or a large bank of MOV's in place, I'd recommend looking for the highest value type X caps you can find -- especially those made with polypropylene or polystyrene film.

Mundorf MCap Supreme
Metalized Polypropylene Film
1uF/800VDC = $23.00

By rights, the true winners were the VCap TFTF and REL AudioCap TFT. When compared to all others, the results with these Teflon® dielectric caps were consistently better. However, after consulting with both manufacturers, the consensus was that because of their construction, it was not safe to use them in an AC line. In several discussions about AC power conditioning on Audio Asylum, as well as on his own site, Jon Risch writes, "For any capacitor placed across the AC line, I recommend use of fully rated AC line parts, which are designated as an 'X' type." This was seconded by engineers at PentaCap and ASC whom we contacted about this issue. (For more technical insight, please read this white paper published by Evox-Rifa, Inc.) ( spikes can be higher than 1500v-T456)

In the event of damage from a momentary line spike (which can be as high as 1,500 volts), Type X caps have self-healing properties. Caps that are only rated for DC can potentially self-destruct, short-out, and ignite. If you're inclined to experiment, only use capacitors that have an AC rating printed on the wrapper. Don't take it for granted that any high-end cap is safe to use for AC, unless it is specifically labeled as such.

That said, of all the caps that were specifically rated for AC use, the Mundorf MCap Supreme cleaned up the line far better than any other. There was far less grunge, far more detail, and a greater sense of musicality when they were in place. Bass was deeper and richer, the mid-range was smoother and more detailed, and the highs exhibited far less glare. Though some experimenters advocate using the highest value that can comfortably fit, we made our tests with 1.0uF caps throughout. Later, we did substitute higher value MCap Supremes in key positions and found that hypothesis to be true. AS THE VALUE INCREASED, THE MUSIC BECAME FAR LESS GRAINY AND MUCH MORE FLUID. Focus became tighter and sharper (in a good way). Available up to 22uF, though in the later experiments we determined that the best value and most dramatic improvement was in the 5.6uF - 10uF range."

 

RE: Comments about AC caps from The Great Capacitor Shootout (5.6-10uf), posted on May 22, 2017 at 08:05:29
Lew
Audiophile

Posts: 10911
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Joined: December 11, 2000
With all due respect and no intention to insult you, Tweaker, I frequently read testimonials such as yours, describing major improvements due to what appear to be small tweaks. (Safety is not under discussion here, only hyperbole.) When I read these posts, it always makes me wonder what the sound was like before installation of the tweak. The impression I get in this case is that the sound was pretty bad: "grainy", lacking in a sense of depth (the opposite of "deep"), and shrill (the opposite of "less glare"). I am prepared to believe one can hear a positive result from these small tweaks, but not complete transformation of the sound of an entire audio system from what must have been very unsatisfactory to Nirvana. In fact, your example of placing filter capacitors across the AC line probably does help globally, if the AC was badly contaminated with noise to begin with, as it might be in an apartment building, for example. Some of the other lesser tweaks to which such miracles are ascribed really don't seem likely to please one to the level of ecstasy sometimes claimed, such as the difference between one expensive AC outlet and another or one expensive fuse and another. I think we need to keep in mind the very strong factor of listener bias in evaluating tweaks or any other change to an audio system. We're all subject to it.

 

All three of those capacitors are in parallel with each other,..., posted on May 22, 2017 at 08:08:34
Lew
Audiophile

Posts: 10911
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Joined: December 11, 2000
so in effect you've got 0.3uF filtering.

 

RE: Comments about AC caps from The Great Capacitor Shootout (5.6-10uf), posted on May 22, 2017 at 10:49:57
Lew, what I would like to present as not being hyperbolic IMHO, is the effect of multiple tweaks adding up to being yuge improvements. While one man's minor improvement is another man's hyperboli (sp?) a half dozen "minor" improvements add up to vast improvement. Like I've said before different people hear differently. I believe that high quality caps in power supply are a big difference. If I remember correctly you differ with that point of view. This is a tweaker's forum. I mean for all of my suggestions to come from personal listening experience or at the very least, logical extrapolation there of and are put forth to help people improve their sound. )Of course, along the way, they are really meant to gratify my gargantuan ego and are totally selfish.) Most tweaks I mention, especially with the kind of money many spend on this hobby, are inexpensive and easy to try. The resistance to buying a dollar fifty cap and taking a few minutes to listen so my head can swell a bit is beyond my understanding. T456

 

Hyperbole, with an "e"., posted on May 22, 2017 at 21:01:45
Lew
Audiophile

Posts: 10911
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Joined: December 11, 2000
nt

I don't differ with the notion that high quality caps in a power supply are a big difference, at all. But it does beg the question of what is the definition of "high quality", or whose definition are we using?
But no, I don't disagree. Most of the time the chassis size is the major determinant of what can work in a PS, over and above what one might otherwise like to do.

 

RE: Hyperbole, with an "e"., posted on May 22, 2017 at 21:39:36
This is what you said about this subject Lew. 1: Tincture of time (9.85) Open this result in new window
Posted by Lew on 2016-08-04, 21:06:12 (108.48.14.74)
I am always surprised when someone writes that he can hear big sonic differences between two very good electrolytic capacitors of identical value and voltage rating used in a power supply filter. My a .......

Anyhow,everyone has to decide for themselves. I keep bringing up the fact that one has to do their own listening to make good decisions,IMO. I take in opinions and try stuff. I compared the "best" Nichicon to the Elna Silmic ll and thought the Silmic's blew away the Nichicons. One "expert" electronics person thought just the opposite. I myself don't care what anyone likes. I don't understand the resistance I get to simple , easy suggestions of things to try. The Silmic's were just about exactly what my brain was looking for. Some people don't like them. T456

 

RE: Comments about AC caps from The Great Capacitor Shootout (5.6-10uf), posted on May 22, 2017 at 23:04:28
QuadTodd
Audiophile

Posts: 600
Location: Midwest
Joined: October 22, 2004
And you are plagiarizing whom here?

Nice to give credit to the ones who have done the work...

 

RE: Kemet series R46 X type safety capacitors, posted on May 23, 2017 at 01:06:19
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
Shoot me an email so I can send a message to your Unsolicited Email address, bcowen.

 

Definition of plagiarize, posted on May 23, 2017 at 12:53:36
pla·gia·rize
ˈplājəˌrīz/Submit
verb
take (the work or an idea of someone else) and pass it off as one's own.
synonyms: copy, infringe the copyright of, pirate, steal, poach, appropriate; More
copy from (someone) and pass it off as one's own. -- Now QuadTodd, since I attributed my comments to The Great Cap Shootout and put up a segment of what is obviously not my doing how on dog's green earth do you come up with the thought that I was palgiarizing???

 

In the future, posted on May 23, 2017 at 17:30:32
1973shovel
Audiophile

Posts: 10109
Location: Greenville SC
Joined: February 25, 2007
You might want to use quotation marks to indicate what is quoted from another author's work, otherwise, to some people, it simply looks like something you may have typed.

Additionally, including a link to the original article, like this, or the link below, would have been helpful.

Lastly, adding something like "Emphasis added by me" where you changed a sentence to all caps, which was not not how it was written in the article, would have been more intellectually honest.

Did I think you plagiarized it? Nope. Your subject line let me know that.

But do I think you did a sloppy job by not indicating where you were quoting, and by altering (via using all caps) the original article? I'm afraid I do.


 

RE: In the future, posted on May 23, 2017 at 18:01:41
Well 1973, I don't remotely see how this is a valid or useful criticism. Where it came from, as you stated, is in the subject line. Since one of the points I'm trying to make is that larger value caps than .01-.3ufs sound better, thus the highlight. Can't fathom what's the big deal about that. EMI noise reduction caps for this purpose are made up to at least 10uf for switching PS's and maybe like 2.2uf otherwise. If people would spend less time getting their jollies thinking that I know nothing, that I lie, that I steel other peoples words for my own benefit, that my post wasn't perfect and that I pull stuff out of my ass with no experience and stick a proper f-ing 2-5uf cap in the ac line and listen to it MAYBE someone would get a better sounding system. This is just a first order filter. Notice the crap I get and now notice that when I give it back in a way not liked it is deleted. Talk about being intellectually dishonest. Looks like Duster might have some pull. T456

 

It wasn't intended as criticism, posted on May 23, 2017 at 20:54:00
1973shovel
Audiophile

Posts: 10109
Location: Greenville SC
Joined: February 25, 2007
Someone accused you of possible plagiarism. I attempted to show you how to avoid such accusations in the future by the use of some rudimentary writing skills, by way of learning to attribute quotes.

Since you see an attempt to be helpful only as useless criticism, don't worry, it won't happen again.

 

More hyperbolicness for Lew, posted on May 26, 2017 at 12:21:48
"A Do-it yourself approach to AC line filtering

This is only for the EXPERIENCED HOBBYIST who is familiar with a soldering iron and basic house electrical wiring practices. [Please note that Positive Feedback assumes no responsibility for injury, damage, or loss sustained by the DIYer — the reader proceeds AT HIS OR HER OWN RISK.] Inexpensive and simple AC filter adapters can be made using large-value metallized polypropylene film capacitors. There are no commercially available units equivalent to the designs suggested here. If correctly utilized, such hand-made plug-in filters have a huge, almost unbelievable effect in improving the sound of digital, an order of magnitude more than the commercially available units mentioned previously. Multiple plug-in capacitors are required for best performance improvement. About half of them should be connected from AC line to neutral, and the other half connected from neutral to earth ground. The more the total capacitance, the better the sound. The 120 VAC line to neutral capacitor adapters should of course be carefully insulated using tape and/or shrink tubing to thoroughly insulate the caps and wiring to the 2-prong plugs." This is a excerpt from "Recommended Audio System Tweaks Part 1" by David Magnan. No one should be using large caps from neutral to ground as it can be dangerous so he is wrong to be recommending that. This is more corroboration for the idea that large caps for an ac filter can be heard and well like as a easy, cheap tweak, safe when done properly. T456

 

RE: DIY Power Distributor, posted on May 26, 2017 at 21:28:05
pixelphoto
Audiophile

Posts: 655
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: December 15, 2009
Tweaker456,
I'm the original poster of this thread. You probably don't recall what the post is about because you quickly hijacked it for your own stage to run off at the mouth as if you had a bad case of diarrhea and excreting BS about capacitors. You owe me and the entire forum an apology for your rudeness, thoughtlessness and selfishness, etc. I believe you're so unaware of yourself you don't realize what you've done. I'm not impressed by the fact you may know a few things about caps; big deal. I believe it's time for you to haul ass and your caps out of here. I'm thinking what you really need is to take up residence at a real asylum; you know the kind for those mentally short of a brick. It could be your one opportunity to show an act of kindness towards forum members and yourself. In simple terms shut the Fxxk up and bugger off.



pixelphoto

 

Bravo (nt), posted on May 27, 2017 at 00:58:14
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
nt

 

I did not accuse you of being hyperbolic in your love of capacitance, posted on May 30, 2017 at 07:07:22
Lew
Audiophile

Posts: 10911
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Joined: December 11, 2000
I did accuse you of being hyperbolic in your rave review of the results.

In this case, do you really want to convince people by quoting advice from an "expert" who (1) does not apparently warn his audience to use only capacitors designed for use across an AC line, and (2) actually promotes a dangerous practice (which you point out, yourself)?

 

RE: I did not accuse you of being hyperbolic in your love of capacitance, posted on June 8, 2017 at 20:14:19
Yes to your question Lew. He hears what I and others hear, that larger value and better caps sound better across the AC. One can, as I'm sure you know, use way larger caps than .3 and still be safe. The question of safety and sound quality are two different things. It is also rather elementary to point out that a 10uf Type X safety cap will roll of more EMI than a .3uf. I have other peoples empirical experience. science and my own empirical experience on my side of what IMHO shouldn't be an argument. Please don't bother checking it out for yourself. I know it's a lot of work and expense. More EMI bad, less EMI good, farshtayn? I rest my case. Over and out on this issue. T666

 

RE: I did not accuse you of being hyperbolic in your love of capacitance, posted on June 9, 2017 at 11:29:38
pixelphoto
Audiophile

Posts: 655
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: December 15, 2009
I can't believe you actually came back! You should change your user name to LOSER456!!!



pixelphoto

 

RE: I did not accuse you of being hyperbolic in your love of capacitance, posted on June 9, 2017 at 13:14:42
And what did I lose? I'm not losing out on the benefit of this excellent tweak. I must admit at this point that I have lost my youth. Tweekie

 

RE: I did not accuse you of being hyperbolic in your love of capacitance, posted on June 9, 2017 at 15:57:51
beautox
Manufacturer

Posts: 366
Location: New Plymouth
Joined: July 9, 2013
Tweeky's system by his own admission uses a Brick Wall Surge Suppressor, see https://www.brickwall.com/pages/how-it-works

This contains a large inductor. Most of us are not silly enough to add inductance to our power lines like this. Even fairly small inductors have a detrimental effect on SQ in my experience.

But this might explain why he needs these 10uF caps across the line, to try to take away some of the negative effects of the inductive line supply. Kludge upon kludge.

 

Of course, I am in no position to say that more capacitance does not sound better, posted on June 10, 2017 at 18:55:36
Lew
Audiophile

Posts: 10911
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Joined: December 11, 2000
But consider also that as you add capacitance, the impedance between the hot and neutral AC line at 60Hz, the mains frequency, will go down in direct proportion. I don't know what bad things might happen as Z gets extremely low, but it might be something you want to consider. For example, the Z of your 10uF capacitor at 60Hz is (only) 265 ohms. And of course, you REALLY don't want to use large value caps between hot and ground or neutral and ground, as I think you know.

 

RE: I did not accuse you of being hyperbolic in your love of capacitance, posted on June 11, 2017 at 09:08:21
Yo Toxic, if by Tweeky you think you are talking about me you are mistaken. All I use is capacitors across the AC line. I have no brick wall filter and use no inductors. There is at least one other person with a similar name that you may have confused me with. And that's Tweaker456 to you!

 

RE: Of course, I am in no position to say that more capacitance does not sound better, posted on June 11, 2017 at 09:27:18
Lew,you can call all the capacitor companies that make 10uf Type X EMI filtering capacitors for use across the ac line and explain to their engineers about how bad it is to use their product for what it has been tested and designed for. At least Bullethead is getting some Z's from my advice. Oh, and once again, don't take the yuge effort and expense to actually try this TWEAK. Just worry about Z's. Like why try to make your system sound better when you can nay say until the cows never come home? I'll gladly drop this subject when everyone else does. Hey doctor man, you got anything for a headache?? Tweaker456

 

I've avoided taking a hostile approach to your pig-headedness, posted on June 11, 2017 at 10:14:05
Lew
Audiophile

Posts: 10911
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Joined: December 11, 2000
In this case, I am only pointing out a potential safety consideration. You can do whatever you want in the privacy of your own home. I would wager that those 10uF, X-rated capacitors were not marketed with the thought that Harry Homeowner needs them for his audio system. And, I did not say the capacitors are inherently un-safe, nor do I think that; I did say that for your application, you might want to consider that there can be a safety issue. Z is an abbreviation symbol for Impedance, by the way.

 

RE: I did not accuse you of being hyperbolic in your love of capacitance, posted on June 11, 2017 at 15:01:42
beautox
Manufacturer

Posts: 366
Location: New Plymouth
Joined: July 9, 2013
>>> In my own DIY AC line filter, I use a Brick Wall surge suppressor ahead of all caps. Unlike MOV's, it will not deteriorate and fail over time at least that's the manufacturer's claim.

https://www.audioasylum.com/audio/tweaks/messages/20/204102.html

You are the same person right?

 

RE: I did not accuse you of being hyperbolic in your love of capacitance, posted on June 11, 2017 at 15:24:07
These were the comments by the person who wrote " The Great Capacitor Shootout" as stated in the Subject and previously discussed. So no, I am not the same person. If you somehow think that the brick wall filter he used before the cap test nullifies mine and others position I do have a suggestion. Try it out for yourself then come and tell me I'm full of crap. Then at least I could then come back and tell you that you are deaf. Game Bo? We could then both die happy. And another thing. I would say that that supports my position. The improved sound even after another filter according to him. Even after a so called brick wall. Looks like those EMIs are like cockroaches. I myself don't like those guys hanging around my ac. Just sayin'. T456

 

RE: I did not accuse you of being hyperbolic in your love of capacitance, posted on June 11, 2017 at 15:27:29
beautox
Manufacturer

Posts: 366
Location: New Plymouth
Joined: July 9, 2013
Hard to tell where your quoting ends and your ranting starts.

 

RE: I did not accuse you of being hyperbolic in your love of capacitance, posted on June 11, 2017 at 16:27:37
None of it was my "ranting". It was 100% from "The Great Cap Shootout" except my standard Borg message. So, I guess your last useful comment means that you are going to try it. Great. Let us know what a useless tweak it was. Am I in the Tweaker's Assylum or the Twilight Zone? Soon I think we are going to reach the Outer Limits of stupidity.

 

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