Cable Asylum: REVIEW: DIY by Robert Crump AC Cord Cable by darkmoebius

********This is a followup to my original (quasi) review****************
I've now modified my orignal cord to the exact Bob Crump recipe components.

From: Schurter 4782.0100 IEC
To: Schurter 4300.0603

From: Marinco 8215T 3-prong plug
To: Pass & Seymour 5266-X

From: Industrial Grade Hubbel wallplug
To: Pass & Seymour 5242

In between the Hubbel and the P&S, I tried a Leviton Hospital Grade outlet that comes in a violent orange finish. I also tried a Marinco 3201IEC which is extremely well made and has excellent wire connectors.

So how does it sound?

Awesome! The background is dead silent and everything stands out in stark contrast against it. Many people have claimed richer midrange, faster bass, spacious highs, etc. Well, I'm not willing to go that far, but everything does sound ....better. I just can't say that they have actually improved. But Bob suggests at least 1 week for breakin, and up to a month. Also, he suggests replacing all the outlets on the same fusebox circuit for maximum effect.

Better than the other configuration?

Again, I can't say. It sounded great before and it does now. I really didn't have the other cord in long enough to make an informed decision. The primary reason I switched outlets was because fellow Inmate Elizebeth and others posted that they had bad experiences w/ the Levitons. Although everything sounded great intially, over time the outlets were responsible for a steady decay in the quality of sound in their system. After replacing the outlet, great sound returned.

So what's the real difference?

As Bob Crump, Jon Risch, and countless others have (patiently) advised us over and over again, the original recipe components are far superior mechanically than any of the other plugs and outlets that I've fooled with for several distinct reasons:

1) The Schurter 4300.0603 uses internal connectors of an entirely different design. Most importantly, the copper "tweezers" that grip the 3 male prongs make contact over a far greater area than other IEC's, including all other Schurters, Marinco's, and standard "stock". Normally, the receptacles "pinch" each prong with 1mm of contact on each side, the 4300.0603's have flattened "pinchers" that make contact on 7mm each side. 14 mm to 2 on each prong is a substantial difference for passing current. As a result, the 4300 has a much tighter connection. Also, it is much easier to solder the wires into place (as Bob advised). **Do not use the screw for connecting wires, strands squeeze out to the side** Not bad for being 1/3 the cost of the $18 Marinco 3201 IEC and same price as the new Schurter 4782.0100.

2) The P&S 5242 wall outlet grabs the 3-prong plug so strongly that it actually makes a "chunk!" when it's in. It takes 5-10 times the pressure to insert or remove a plug over Hubbels, Levitons, Industrial, Hospital grade, etc. Although, I haven't disassembled a 5242, I suppose that makes a better connection, at least there is less chance of movement or accidental removal. ***And once again, the P&S's are 1/3 the price($2.39 ea., $1.65 ea. in box of 10) of Hospital Grade Levitons($8) and 1/2 the price of Industrial Grade Hubbels($6) from Home Depot****

3) The P&S 5266-X is half the size of the fairly large Marinco and uses Nickel on the neutral prong. Why? I don't know, but some say it's better than Gold or Silver because it is harder and just as resistent to corrosion. Why wouldn't they use it on all connections then? Ask P&S! It also is less than half ($5) the price than the $12 Marinco.

What does it all mean?

A 50% savings over using Marinco's and Hospital Grade outlets! This tried and true recipe is very hard to beat at any resonable price, I've tried. Congrats Bob!

REVIEW: DIY by Robert Crump AC Cord Cable Review by darkmoebius at Audio Asylum