Wattgate IEC does not fit tight.


I have a Kimber Palladian power cable which is fantastic. It has Wattgate 330i connecters. The IEC keeps disconnecting from the amp due to not fitting tight. I replaced it with a 350i and it won't even connect now. It seems the part that connects to the amp are too far inside the IEC. It falls out immediately. Is there a quality IEC I can use that fits tight. I used a $6 computer cord and it works fine. any help would be appreciated. 

Ag insider logo xs@2xpal

I'd also contact Kimber about your concerns if you already haven't done so.

Yeah, congrats, I’ve had this exact problem and it appears by design.

I did an in depth analysis here.

In addition to the models failing to seat properly, the other issue is the construction materials.  I found the assembly screws to be very soft and easy to strip. At beat you could assemble/remove those connectors two or three times before the screw heads stripped.  I was really so not impressed by this brand at all.

But basically I suggest you give up on Wattgate and get another brand, preferably something without rhodium plating, but the Connex models aren’t bad.

 

https://partsconnexion.com/power-plugs/

erik_squires.  That is the exact issue I am having. I will look into a different IEX.

Rarely has an audio accessory pissed me off as much as the Wattgate connectors. 

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Check out https://alexsoundtech.com/iego. They distribute several products including Iego (eye-ee-go, that's a capital I) power cord connectors The Iego IEC connectors are very tight gripping. The base metal is pure copper not brass or phosphor bronze.I am using the un-plated copper and the gold plated connectors on several of my cords.

They can be found on ebay and Alex Sound Technology is the seller. 

Do not simply key in Iego on ebay, you will be taken to the "Lego" toy blocks. Instead key in "Iego IEC connector" (again, capital I not lower case L) to get to the right place.

 

I am continually frustrated by this issue, it is such a poor design. Any metal with high conductivity is too soft to maintain tension. Are there any vendors that spring load their plugs?

@jea48

I go into the details of the Wattgate in my blog. Essentially series of questionable choices regarding the length of the body, shortness of the pins and the contact method resembling the prongs of a backstab outlet connection, in addition to poor materials.

At the very least, that body needs longer pins.

Really, I try to avoid ever saying "don't get this gear, it's bad" on this forum, or anywhere and prefer listeners to make their own choices.  Wattgate is a rare exception and I think consumers are safer and better off with a $5 part from the hardware store.

 

 

@zlone

The IEC connection scheme is pretty simple, but that doesn't give Wattgate an excuse  to make it worse.   I can see how the IEC footprint really helps in situations where high density is needed, like a power distribution center in a rack.

Yes, there are a variety of commercial "locking" plugs like these.

I have the same problem with wattage connectors. I just rubber-banded the connecter to the footer of the DAC to which it is connected. 

When I put together a power cord using Wattgate I was sent a little plastic tube to sit between the positive and negative blades to add bulk and tighten up the connection. Pretty poor excuse for a fix. And yes, the assembly screws are soft too.

Not sure about the Wattgates, but these inexpensive 'iec inlet tighteners work for a variety of PC / components and are easy  to try:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0771T7PC9?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

 

It would help to know what amp the OP has.

Example: Reading some posts of the OP’s.

Mark Levinson - No 585 Integrated Amplifier

I don’t think any audiophile power cord will fit properly on the ML 585.

The OEM or a cheap $6 computer cord will work fine.

The IEC keeps disconnecting from the amp due to not fitting tight. I replaced it with a 350i and it won’t even connect now. It seems the part that connects to the amp are too far inside the IEC. It falls out immediately.

.

It is a Levinson 585. Do they use a different socket? It is strange that a $6 generic cord works but the audiophile IEC will not.

@pal,

This should solve your problem.

Shunyata - C14-C13 Universal Cable Adapter 

12 Gauge Conductors.

$50.00.

Free shipping.

60 day satisfaction guarantee.

This one-of-a-kind Universal Power Adaptor allows anyone to realize the benefits of high-performance power cords, no matter the application or space constraints. (Overall length of the Universal Power Adapter is 12 inches; actual cable length is seven inches.)

/ / /

Shunyata UNIVERSAL POWER ADAPTER

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I use the entry level FURUTECH Audio FI-15 Plus IEC's. They are $50-$55 on eBay. They fit butt tight and dont move, plus high quality. 

It is a Levinson 585. Do they use a different socket? It is strange that a $6 generic cord works but the audiophile IEC will not.

Mark Levinson - No 585 Integrated Amplifier

Looking at the power inlet IEC O/I switch on the rear panel of the ML 585 it appears the distance of the switch rocker handle from the IEC power inlet is such that the round body of the Wattgate IEC connector contacts it when the switch is in the ( I ) on position. The switch rocker handle prevents the IEC connector from going all the way in making good contact. The smaller cheap $6 computer IEC body does not rest against the rocker switch handle. It slides in making good contact with the inlet prongs of the IEC inlet connector.

FWIW, ARC built power amps with the AC line fuse in close proximity to the IEC inlet connector. It caused the same problem when using audiophile power cords.

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