Dedicated power lines

pugs · « **on:** 1 Aug 2005, 02:28 pm »

I'm thinking about getting dedicated power lines. If I use 3 separate outlets for my system, do I get 3 separate dedicated power lines or just one?

JoshK · « **Reply #1 on:** 1 Aug 2005, 02:37 pm »

You really one need one dedicated line if your system is either 1) only audio, not HT + audio (in which case get 2), or 2) not using monster 1000watt class A mono amps. Ok, #2 is a bit of an exaggeration but only the most current hungry mono blocks will require more current than a single dedicated line will delivery to your entire system.

More than one dedicated line can also cause problems if they are not on the same phase. It is necessary for them to be on the same phase if you don't want to exacerbate ground loop problems.

In my case, I installed two lines on the same phase (tandem 20a breaker makes this simple), one for audio, one for video. This is probably still overkill, but I was planning ahead for HTPC and projector needs in the future.

pugs · « **Reply #2 on:** 1 Aug 2005, 02:44 pm »

It is for 2 channel and HT. If I tell the electician that I need them on the same phase, will he know what I'm talking about? It might not work out that I'll have all video plugged into one and all audio into another, but I'm assuming that won't be a problem if I decide to get two. Is there anything else I need to know?

JoshK · « **Reply #3 on:** 1 Aug 2005, 02:51 pm »

Yeah I'd tell him that you want them on the same phase and he'll know what that is if he is an electrician worth anything. Probably the best way to do this, is ask that he put in a tandem breaker for the two lines, as it is simpler, takes up less slots in your breaker box, etc.

If you give me a breakdown of your gear and any potential future upgrade paths I can give you a better estimate of whether one or two is needed but two is pretty safe bet. However, electricians are often quite confused with the idea of putting in two "dedicated" lines at one location, just look at ScottMayo's blog on his soundroom from hell for an example of this. They want to spread the outlets for these lines all about the room and not together at one location. Just be sure your electrician knows what these lines are for and where you need the service to be located (outlets). This should help save some confusion.

pugs · « **Reply #4 on:** 1 Aug 2005, 07:37 pm »

Thanks for the help. Currently my equipment includes:

Denon AVR-4800
Odyssey monoblocks (x3)
Odyssey Tempest pre
B&K ST-2140
Cary 303/200 CDP
Pioneer DV47a
Mitsubishi 55" Medallion (Platinum Plus)
Monster power conditioner (selectively used)
NHT 2.5i mains
NHT Audiocenter 1
NHT 1.5 surrounds

Right now I'm not using the Odyssey monoblocks because they are too big for my new room. Surprisingly I prefer the B&K/Tempest combo better than the Monoblock/Tempest combo. I suspect my slightly brigh speakers have something to do with it. I think the B&K muds up the sounds just enough to tame the NHTs.

I was using the Denon as a preamp for the L/R channels for a while. When I put the Tempest back in, it was night and day. The Tempest/B&K/NHT combo is excellent.

Here's my upgrade path:

Salk HT3 mains and HTC center (on order)
Random dipoles
Replacement of Odyssey monos with 3 channel in either one box or compact digital amps like Nuforce or module configuration.
Possibly a projector, but most likely a DLP or LCD rear projection.
Computer office area that integrates with system

I'm also getting my speakers configured so that one day I can go all digital with something like DEQX and power a each cone/ribbon with a separate digital channel.

JoshK · « **Reply #5 on:** 1 Aug 2005, 07:53 pm »

You definitely need two lines with all that amperage.

ScottMayo · « **Reply #6 on:** 1 Aug 2005, 08:30 pm »

Quote from: pugs

I'm thinking about getting dedicated power lines. If I use 3 separate outlets for my system, do I get 3 separate dedicated power lines or just one?

If it's new construction, there is very little reason not to just run a separate line to each new outlet. Then it won't matter how big a subwoofer/mega-amp you get someday, and you'll never have to wonder if your old VCR's motor is injecting line noise for your preamp to deal with. And someday, when you convert the whole room to a wood shop, you can run all the saws and drills you want.

warnerwh · « **Reply #7 on:** 1 Aug 2005, 10:27 pm »

Just to be sure you know, you want 20 amp lines run, not 15.

marvda1 · « **Reply #8 on:** 1 Aug 2005, 10:29 pm »

what type of wire do you ask for on a dedicated line?

JoshK · « **Reply #9 on:** 1 Aug 2005, 10:38 pm »

Quote from: marvda1

what type of wire do you ask for on a dedicated line?

If you ask for 20amp lines, you'll get 12-2 w/grnd NMB, which is what you want. 10-2 w/g NMB is sometimes used for really long runs on 20amp lines, you can ask for it but it is seriously so hard to work with because it is completely inflexible.