wattgate.com

The Wattgate 390i is an audio-grade power connector from Wattgate's "i" series, the same family that includes the 330i and 350i. It is intended for DIY power cables and audio-grade builds where the connector is the interface between the cable and the equipment or wall. The exact gender, current rating, and mating standard are not stated on the Wattgate page provided here, so confirm those details with the dealer or product listing before buying. What the lineup context does tell you is where the 390i sits relative to its siblings: it is one of three "i" connectors Wattgate groups together in its own connector comparison, which is the fastest way to see how it differs from the 330i and 350i.

Where the 390i sits in Wattgate's lineup

Wattgate's site presents its products under headings for products, accessories, connector comparison, contact, metallurgy, international dealers, and a copyright line for RKB Industrial, Inc. The connector comparison page is the relevant reference point: it exists specifically to let buyers compare the "i" series connectors side by side, and the 390i, 330i, and 350i are the three named in the site's own keyword set.

That means the 390i should be treated as one option in a three-way choice rather than a standalone product. The practical question is not "what is the 390i" in isolation but "which of the three fits my build."

How the 390i relates to the 330i and 350i

The Wattgate page provided does not include a spec table, so the differences below are limited to what the lineup structure supports. Use the connector comparison page for the authoritative breakdown.

Because all three share the "i" designation, they belong to the same audio-grade family and are meant to be compared on form factor and application rather than treated as unrelated products. The comparison page is the only place on the site that resolves which is which.

Which connector type the 390i corresponds to

Wattgate's product scope covers audio-grade power connectors and receptacles, and its keyword set includes IEC connectors, plugs, receptacles, and Shuko. The 390i is a connector within that scope, but the page evidence does not state whether it is an IEC connector, a wall plug, or a receptacle.

Do not assume. A connector and a receptacle are different halves of the same connection, and buying the wrong one means the part will not mate with what you already have. Check the product listing or ask the dealer directly which half of the connection the 390i provides.

Typical applications

The 390i fits the same use cases as the rest of the "i" series:

• DIY power cables — building or re-terminating a cable with audio-grade connectors at one or both ends.
• Audio-grade builds — systems where the connector is chosen as part of the power path rather than as a generic part.
• Matching an existing Wattgate setup — replacing or extending a cable that already uses Wattgate connectors.

If your goal is a complete cable, you generally need a connector at each end, and those two ends are often different types (for example, an IEC connector at the equipment end and a plug at the wall end). Confirm which end the 390i serves before ordering a pair.

Checking compatibility before you buy

Work through these steps in order:

1. Identify the mating half you need. Look at the equipment inlet or wall outlet you are connecting to. Note whether it is an IEC inlet, a wall receptacle, or something else.
2. Open Wattgate's connector comparison page. This is the site's own tool for distinguishing the 330i, 350i, and 390i. Match your required mating half to the connector listed there.
3. Confirm the 390i's gender and standard with the seller. The Wattgate page provided does not publish this, so the dealer or the specific product listing is the reliable source.
4. Check the receptacle side too. If you are also choosing a Wattgate receptacle, verify that the connector and receptacle are designed to mate. Wattgate's keyword set includes receptacles and Shuko alongside connectors, which means the lineup spans more than one standard — do not assume any connector fits any receptacle.
5. Verify current rating against your cable and load. Wattgate's page does not state ratings for the 390i, so get this from the product documentation.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming the 390i is interchangeable with the 330i or 350i. They are grouped for comparison precisely because they differ. Use the comparison page.
• Buying a connector when you need a receptacle. These are opposite halves of the connection.
• Treating the "i" series as one product. The series name indicates family, not identical function.
• Relying on the homepage for specs. The Wattgate page provided contains navigation and a copyright notice, not specifications. Go to the connector comparison page or the individual product listing.

If you can state which two points you are connecting — equipment inlet to cable, cable to wall, and so on — the comparison page will narrow the 330i, 350i, and 390i to the one that matches. That is the decision the lineup is built to support.

The Wattgate 350i is an audio-grade IEC power connector from Wattgate's connector line, positioned alongside models like the 330i and 390i in the brand's product range. It is used to terminate the equipment end of a power cable, plugging into the IEC inlet on audio components. If you are building or upgrading a power cord and need a connector that matches Wattgate's metallurgy and contact philosophy, the 350i is one of the candidates to weigh against the 330i and other models in the same family.

Where the 350i fits in a power cable

A detachable audio power cord has two ends:

• Wall end — plugs into a receptacle (mains outlet or an audio-grade receptacle such as Wattgate's own).
• Equipment end — an IEC connector that plugs into the component's power inlet.

The 350i belongs to the connector side of Wattgate's catalog, the same category as the 330i and 390i. Wattgate's site organizes its offerings under products, accessories, and a connector comparison, with metallurgy called out as a distinct topic — a signal that contact material and plating are central to how the brand differentiates its connectors.

350i vs. 330i and other Wattgate connectors

Wattgate lists the 330i, 350i, and 390i together in its connector lineup, and the site provides a connector comparison as a dedicated resource. That comparison page is the right place to check the specific differences — plating, contact design, and housing — because those details are what separate one model from another in practice.

Because the available page evidence does not list the 350i's individual specifications, treat the connector comparison on Wattgate's site as the authoritative source for model-to-model differences rather than assuming the 350i is simply a higher or lower tier than the 330i.

Compatibility checks before you buy

Before committing to a 350i for a build, confirm:

1. IEC type — verify the connector matches the IEC inlet standard on your component.
2. Conductor size — check that the cable gauge you plan to use fits the connector's termination.
3. Receptacle pairing — if you are also choosing a wall-end receptacle, confirm the two are intended to work together.
4. Metallurgy — review Wattgate's metallurgy information if contact material is a deciding factor for you.

Deciding whether the 350i is right for your project

Choose the 350i when you want a Wattgate audio-grade IEC connector and, after checking the connector comparison, its specific metallurgy and contact design suit your build better than the 330i or 390i. If the comparison shows another model aligns more closely with your cable gauge, IEC type, or receptacle pairing, that model is the better fit.

For a DIY or upgrade power cord, the decision comes down to matching three things: the connector to your equipment's IEC inlet, the termination to your cable, and the model to your preference for contact material. Wattgate's connector comparison and metallurgy pages are the resources that let you make that call with the actual model differences in front of you.

Wattgate is a brand of audio-grade power connectors and receptacles — the AC plugs, IEC connectors, and wall outlets used to deliver mains power to audio equipment. If you are building or upgrading a power chain for a hi-fi or studio system and want connectors marketed specifically for audio rather than generic electrical supply, Wattgate is one of the names in that category. The site organizes its offering around products, accessories, a connector comparison resource, metallurgy information, and a dealer network.

What Wattgate makes

The product line covers the two ends of an audio power cable and the point where it meets the wall:

• Receptacles — the wall outlets that equipment plugs into.
• Plugs — the mains-side connectors.
• IEC connectors — the equipment-side connectors used on many audio components.
• Accessories — supporting parts for building or finishing cables.

Model numbers referenced on the site include 330i, 350i, 390i, and 381, along with shuko (Schuko, the European-style mains plug standard) and IEC types. These designations distinguish connector families and formats rather than describing a single universal product.

What "audio grade" means here

"Audio grade" in this context is a marketing and design category, not a formal electrical standard. The site frames it around metallurgy — the metals and contact materials used in the connectors — which is the main lever a connector maker can pull to differentiate from commodity parts. In practice, that means the brand's pitch rests on contact material, plating, and build quality rather than on a regulated performance rating.

Two practical implications:

• Fit and format still matter most. A connector must physically match your cable, your component's inlet, and your wall outlet standard (for example, Schuko versus other regional mains types). No metallurgy claim changes that.
• Claims are hard to verify independently. Treat metallurgy descriptions as manufacturer specifications, and weigh them alongside the connector's mechanical quality and how it fits your specific gear.

Comparing models

Wattgate provides a connector comparison resource on the site, which is the right place to start when choosing between model numbers like 330i, 350i, 390i, and 381. Use it to line up the models on the attributes that actually affect your build:

If the comparison page does not answer a fit question, that is a signal to confirm dimensions and standards with a dealer before buying.

Dealers and international availability

The site lists dealers and international dealers, which is the practical route to purchase and to confirm regional mains compatibility. Because connector standards vary by country, buying through a local or regional dealer reduces the risk of ordering a plug or receptacle that does not match your outlets.

When Wattgate is worth exploring

Wattgate is relevant if you are assembling or modifying audio power cables and want connectors positioned as audio-grade, with a documented comparison between models and a dealer network for regional standards. It is less relevant if you only need a functional, standard-compliant power connection and are not choosing based on contact material or brand.

Before deciding, identify three things: the connector type you need (IEC, mains plug, or receptacle), your regional mains standard, and your cable's physical requirements. Then use the site's connector comparison and dealer listings to match a model to those constraints.

Audio-grade receptacles are wall outlets or chassis-mounted power inlets built with higher-purity contact metals, tighter gripping force, and dedicated grounding geometry than standard hardware-store outlets. They matter in high-end audio because every component in the chain — from the wall to the power supply — adds contact resistance and, in principle, noise. Wattgate, an RKB Industrial brand, builds receptacles alongside matching plugs, IEC connectors, and accessories, and publishes a connector comparison and a metallurgy page as part of its product documentation. If your system already resolves low-level detail and you hear differences between power cables, a receptacle is the next logical contact point to examine. If you are running a basic setup or your noise floor is dominated by other problems, the upgrade is unlikely to be the best use of money.

What "Audio-Grade" Actually Changes

A standard receptacle is engineered for safety, code compliance, and low cost. An audio-grade receptacle keeps the safety ratings but changes three things:

• Contact material and plating. Wattgate's site organizes its products around metallurgy, which signals that conductor alloys and plating are the primary differentiator between models. Purity and plating affect contact resistance and oxidation behavior over time.
• Grip force and blade geometry. A loose contact is a small resistor that varies with vibration and thermal cycling. Tighter, more consistent contact keeps delivery stable.
• Ground path and construction. Dedicated grounding hardware and non-magnetic or low-mass parts are common in this category, aimed at reducing the impedance and the antenna behavior of the ground leg.

None of this changes the voltage or the current available at the wall. It changes how cleanly that current reaches your equipment.

Common Form Factors

Receptacles in this market are not one product — they are a family of interfaces. The Wattgate keyword set covers several of them:

The practical point: a receptacle upgrade only helps if the plug mating with it is also in good condition. Buying a premium outlet and inserting a worn, oxidized plug leaves the weakest link untouched.

How Receptacles Fit the Power Chain

Think of the chain as a series of contact junctions:

1. Wall receptacle — the first junction, and the one most likely to be original builder-grade hardware.
2. Power cord plug — mates with the receptacle.
3. IEC connector at the chassis — the second junction, often the most neglected.
4. Internal wiring and power supply — beyond the scope of a receptacle swap.

Each junction contributes contact resistance and can act as a small antenna. Improving one junction while leaving the others degraded gives partial results. Wattgate's own product structure reflects this: receptacles, plugs, and IEC connectors are sold as a coordinated line rather than as isolated parts.

When an Upgrade Is Worthwhile

Upgrading a receptacle is a reasonable step when most of the following are true:

• Your system is resolving enough that you can hear changes in power delivery, or you have already addressed cables and are looking at the next contact point.
• The existing outlet is old, loose, or builder-grade — grip force alone can justify replacement.
• You can match the receptacle to the plug and IEC connector in the same chain.
• You are comfortable with the installation, or you will use a qualified electrician. Wall receptacles involve mains wiring; this is not a plug-and-play swap for everyone.

It is likely not worthwhile when:

• The system's noise floor is set by something else — grounding problems elsewhere, dimmers, or a noisy source.
• You are choosing between a receptacle and a more fundamental upgrade, such as speaker placement or room treatment.
• You cannot verify the installation is correct and code-compliant.

Practical Guidance

• Match the standard to your region. US-style, Schuko, and IEC are not interchangeable; confirm the form factor before ordering.
• Treat the chain as a unit. If you replace the wall receptacle, inspect the plug and the IEC inlet at the same time.
• Check the metallurgy documentation. Wattgate publishes metallurgy and connector comparison pages; use them to understand what separates one model from another rather than assuming a higher number is automatically better for your system.
• Verify fit and torque. A receptacle that does not grip firmly has failed at its main job, regardless of materials.

The honest summary: audio-grade receptacles are a contact-quality upgrade, not a power upgrade. They make sense at the end of a system that is already sensitive to contact quality, and they make little sense as a first move.

The Wattgate 330i is an audio-grade IEC power connector from Wattgate, a brand listed on wattgate.com under "Audio Grade Power connectors and receptacles." It belongs to the same product family as the 350i and 390i connectors that appear in the site's connector lineup. If you are building or upgrading a detachable power cord for a DAC, preamp, integrated amp, or similar component, the 330i is the connector that goes at the equipment end of the cable — the female IEC end that plugs into the component's power inlet. Whether it suits your setup depends mainly on which end of the cable you are terminating and which Wattgate model you pair it with.

Where the 330i sits in a power cable

A detachable audio power cord has two terminations:

• Wall end — a plug or connector that mates with the wall receptacle (or with a power conditioner outlet).
• Equipment end — an IEC connector that mates with the inlet on the audio component.

The 330i is an IEC connector, so it is the equipment-side termination. That means a typical build pairs a 330i with a wall-side Wattgate connector or plug, joined by the cable of your choice. The exact wall-side partner depends on your receptacle type and region — Wattgate's catalog includes receptacles and connectors in several formats, including the Schuko style referenced in the site's keyword set.

If you are instead looking to replace the outlet in the wall or in a power conditioner, you want a Wattgate receptacle, not a 330i. The 330i is a cable-end part.

How it relates to the 350i and 390i

Wattgate presents its connectors as a comparison set, and the 330i, 350i, and 390i are the models most often weighed against each other. The site's own navigation includes a "CONNECTOR COMPARISON" section, which is the right place to check current model-by-model differences, since Wattgate's published page evidence does not spell out the individual specifications here.

What can be said from the lineup structure:

Because the three are grouped together in Wattgate's connector comparison, the practical differences between them — construction, metallurgy, and price tier — are exactly what that comparison page exists to show. Wattgate also maintains a separate "METALLURGY" section, which indicates that conductor material is a distinguishing factor across the range. Treat the comparison page as the authoritative source before choosing between the three rather than assuming one is simply "better."

Deciding whether the 330i is right for you

Work through these conditions:

1. Confirm the end you need. If your component has a standard IEC inlet and you are terminating the equipment end of a cable, an IEC connector like the 330i is the correct category. If you need the wall end, choose a plug or wall-side connector instead.
2. Check the inlet on your component. IEC inlets come in more than one physical format. Match the connector to the inlet on the specific unit you are powering.
3. Compare within the Wattgate range. Use Wattgate's connector comparison to see how the 330i differs from the 350i and 390i in construction and material, then decide whether the difference matters for your build.
4. Match the wall side. Pick a wall-side Wattgate part compatible with your receptacle type and region so the two ends of the cable are consistent.
5. Verify availability and pricing with a dealer. Wattgate's site lists an "INT. DEALERS" section; the published page evidence does not include pricing, so confirm current price and stock through a dealer rather than assuming any figure.

Common points of confusion

• 330i vs. a receptacle. The 330i is a cable-end IEC connector. Replacing a wall outlet or power-conditioner outlet requires a receptacle, which is a different product category on the same site.
• 330i vs. 350i/390i. These are related but distinct models. The differences are the subject of Wattgate's connector comparison, not something to infer from the model numbers.
• Assuming specifications from the number. Nothing in the published Wattgate page evidence ties the "330" number to a specific rating or material. Get those details from the comparison page or the dealer.

For the broader context of what audio-grade power connectors and receptacles are and why builders use them, see the related explainer on audio-grade receptacles. For what Wattgate as a brand covers across its range, see the Wattgate overview.