Sockets or power strips

I belong to the faction "power amplifier of the welding transformer class," who claim to be able to hear whether the preamp and power amp are competitors for current load.

In that case, I recommend speakers with a reasonable impedance. They not only sound better, but 40 watts per channel are more than enough to (high-quality) become deaf. ;-)

With the money saved, one could have several hundred sockets installed... hmm... no matter how you turn and twist it...

Cable fires often occur due to cables under constant full load.

Actually, I only know of cable fires caused by connections coming loose and the like, or by using inadequate materials; in other words, bargain basement sockets or Chinese power supplies, etc.; but from full load???

If the cable is rated for 16A, then it can handle 16A if installed properly. And it doesn't matter how long the 16A are applied. Otherwise, the fuse will blow.