DIY Mains distribution box

You'll have Gold . . . . sorry Copper-finger after you for that Oli . . . . do you exshpect me to crimp?

Now that's a proper crimp, I approve strongly.

You know I do.....but they wouldn't have bolted down tightly enough.

I might paint them 🤣🤣

So just to update this.

Both distribution boxes are now fully built and in the system!


I decided to go with the crimping technique as opposed to soldering which was turning into a right pain in the arse.

Not having had much experience in this department I would now go with a crimp from the get go, but you only know what you know at the time!





Anyway, all busbars including the 'common earth' (lets call it) were connected up with with the shield drain wire from the cable shields also connected to the earth busbar so all RF/interference is 'dumped' back to the mains socket earth.


I also took this opportunity to fit unswitched mains sockets for switched types. Nothing fancy, just does away with an unnecessary switch. A couple of pure copper plugs in the outlet here sandwiched between some acoustic foam.





Here are the finished articles, the green cables are for the Martin Logan speakers and the subs respectively, it's a 4mm OCC type with some silver coating on a couple of the 'cores'. Suits high power applications.

Plugs for the speakers/preamp are pure copper the rest are decent 'high copper content' variants which I will swap for pure copper eventually.









Here is one 'in action', not much to look at but that's the point, just a compact box with loads of outlets and as fewer connections as possible tucked away behind everything else.





What improvements have they made?


Well I don't have an absolute 100% direct comparison as my power amp is off for upgrades as I type but I will say this. The transformers in each bit of equipment now connected to this box are all a lot happier. By that I mean everything seems to be running a bit more quietly, less hum from the boxes (not that there was much but just if you put your ear to the case there is a reduction) and overall (yes I'm going to say it) a 'darker' background.

I cliche I know, but it really is quieter overall. Dynamics have taken a step forward as well as the speakers now delivering more bass, I'm not imaging that because it's at the point where I could almost switch the subs off and enjoy the music nearly as much . . . almost, but not quite. Before the subs were 100% necessary to enjoy playback, now, they are still necessary in my opinion but many would be perfectly happy without them.

Another interesting development has also occurred, my need for any in room correction via EQing has drastically reduced. To be honest I don't think it actually needs it now. I'll know more when my full time power amp is back in play but the slight image shifting and bass issues I was experiencing (which the EQ did rectify to be fair) are now longer much of a factor. Didn't expect a power distribution box change to effect it that much, but it has. I would say I'm surprised but not a lot surprises me in hifi now!



Overall, all positives really. Not that surprising considering the poor materials that make up most 'audiophile' extension sockets/boxes etc. Replacing a load of brass with copper and adding a well thought out 'common earth' seems to have gone a long way to helping the system reach its new potential and I would thoroughly recommend anyone considering it to give it a try.

It was a good learning experience to do it and quite a lot of fun actually. Nice sitting back listening to something you've had a hand in, and if I can do it, anyone can.

Not to mention 'cheap' for the performance hike, in my opinion.



Now I'm working on a mk2 version. Prettier box, wooden, internally lined/shielded, copper screws/nuts etc . . . . hmmmm.

Hmmm . . . I was wondering as to the safety aspect of that, you're probably right appreciate you pointing that out.

Hi Tony,

it was certainly a consideration making one box for the 'high power' applications (Logans/subs etc) and another for the less demanding ones. However, I decided that if the duties were to be split between two boxes (IE having one speaker and sub connected to one box and the remaining two to another) it would help to 'share' the load a bit and therefore reduce noise. The power amp will always be connected directly to the wall anyway as the only remaining 'power hungry' device.


Also the restraint of budget was in play for this project as I wanted to build something and make sure that there were improvements to be had before I press ahead with a superior version (which I am now going to do).


For the next version budget will not be as much of a major concern as the improvements are there clear as day.


Regarding what I might need to build into the next design, considering my requirements, could you elaborate on what I should be looking at incorporating if you wouldn't mind?

Requirements being outlets for: Preamp/Mutec/Streamer/DAC/Turntable/Phono Stage/ then 2 X subwoofers and Martin Logans . . . . 


I'm assuming a dedicated spur from the RCD box would also be a sensible thing to get done at this stage perhaps.


Cheers