Ideas for slim external DC connector for Amp?

[lgreen]

I've got a couple of extra Chips so I'm making chipamp monoblocks. There is going to be 1 power supply feeding DC to two monoblocks, which are quite small.

I'm looking for suitable connectors to carry the DC from the PS to the amp monoblocks.

Neutrik Speakon and Powercon. The most obvious choice. But looking at them closely, they are very bulky and would probably tip over the monoblocks. I'd rather get something smaller. You would also have to use a 4 pin model and with all the connectors and inlets/outlets it does get a little expensive. Not mass market stuff.
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Standard XLR - these could be confused with the XLR inputs (I will have XLR inputs) and I'm not sure that they can carry enough current. There are 4 pin versions which would prevent accidential cross-connecting with the signal inputs but again, current ratings are probably too low?

Standard AC IEC cord (IEC C13/C14)- this type would be confusing and not very safe as you don't want someone to plug the monos into the wall rather than into the PS.

How about an IEC C19/C20 cable and fixtures? These are AC cables rated at 250V and 15A and have horizontal pins that would confuse most people sufficiently to prevent them from plugging them into the wall. And they are somewhat common and not very bulky?
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Any other comments or ideas for suitable 3+ wire high current DC connectors/ cables?

[Speedskater]

We did use 3-pin XLR connectors for DC power in the distant past, before balanced interconnects got so popular. The 3-pin connector will carry lots of current (I don't remember the spec. but it's big). However the 4-pin XLR connector is a different animal altogether. With much smaller pins, it won't carry big current.

[Buckapound]

I like the CB mike connectors for this type of application. Four pins, so you could double up if you want. Should carry plenty of current for an amp supply unless it's a monster. Shiny nickel, with screw-down locking ring, screw-clamping strain relief, really pretty robust. Cheap, and easy to find; even Radio Shack carries them.

--Buckapound

[lgreen]

Thanks for the info. After looking around I'm going with the IEC C19 and C20 connectors based on common availability, thick wire gauge, ease of drilling and most of all- price.

Cheapest prices I found were at Stayonline.com. A 3 foot cable with connectors $7 each. For the inlets and outlets, these are $3 each. They even have "Hubble" inlets and outlets ($7 instead of $3) if you are snooty and need to pay more.

[dangus]

A bit too late, but... there's "Jones" connectors that have three conductors in-line, polarized, and more compact than an IEC connector. I used them to connect a DIY power amp with the separate power supply chassis.

It was probably the S-303H-AB chassis mount socket, and the P-303H-CCT plug. Those are rated 250VAC, 10A. It would have been safer to use a chassis mount plug, so the power cable did not have exposed hot pins, but I went with what was in the bins of the local electronics dealer at the time.

[star882]

What about DIN connectors? They have enough pins to do remote voltage sensing if you want.