FIM vs. PSA powerport vs. Anything else?


I seek the collective knowledge of all A'gon minds for the best ideas, plans, and products to install a dedicated line for my A/V system. I have read much here regarding the outlet debate, but still can't conclude. What's more interesting for me is fault/surge protection. I now have tandem Tice Solo's for AC pure and protect. I'm aware and concerned about the current limiting, etc. debate. Does one even need AC conditioners after installing dedicated lines with top quality materials?
I'd prefer protection at the panel box, but need help with the what, why, and hows. I'm also aware that 10 awg is preferable, but other than JPS Labs Power AC In-wall cable, I have not found suitable wire. Are there any compatibility issues to consider such as JPS cable and FIM outlets not getting along well?
I believe if you're going to do this it ought to be done right A to Z. Are there audio-grade CB's? I don't want to go broke doing this, but will expect maximum performance if making the effort.
I'd hate to stitch up the incision and then wonder if I forgot something? Thanks everyone for the input! Dave
graydmk
Hi Gray; I'm really a sucker for these AC power supply threads! I had a dedicated system put in a couple of years ago and now consider it the foundation of high quality music. I didn't use audio-grade wire, rather I had 60 ft. of 6 ga. copper stranded wire already basically in place so I just used it from the main to a dedicated sub-main with four 20 amp breakers. I also had the electricians ground the sub-main box with 3 six ft. copper rods driven into the ground near my system.

For outlets I've used mostly audio grade Hubbells-- and they are fine, but lately have become totally taken by the high purity copper FIM 880. I now have 4 more FIMs on order-- hope it's not to much of a good thing. In MY SYSTEM, I much prefer the warmth and richness of the FIM outlet to a silver plated Acme.

As to compatibility of different parts of the dedicated system, I think you just have to make the best decisions you can, see how it sounds and go from there, eg what has worked well in my system may not do it for you. You may really like the fast, smooth, detailed Acme outlets for instance. After getting the system installed, it was so bright it just about took my head off, and Redkiwi suggested that I was hearing the cheap stock power cords. So, I auditioned 7 power cords and chose the Syn. Res. Master Couplers-- that completely took care of the brightness.

It occured to me later that just letting the system "burn in" for awhile may also have mellowed it out. I could test this by going back to stock cords, but have felt no need to as I've also become a big believer in good power cords. BTW, regular stranded electrical wire is directional, ie it sounds different when run one direction than the other. Redkiwi suggested this, and I tested it with the big 6 ga. wire, and it's really true-- one direction was soft, dull, and boring, and the other was much more dynamic, live, and musical. I have no idea why this is true.

You're taking the right approach in considering ALL variables that you can, and I wish you luck. Cheers. Craig
if you're using stranded copper wire for mains make sure it is the high purity type.
i have some monster installed in the walls for speaker cable and it is turning green, which cannot be good for the signal. less important perhaps for power signal, but still a consideration.
Hey Gray, Being a fellow sawbones and an audio-something I will help. Just finished the same project. I used 3 runs of silver plated, 10 gage, stranded, heavy shielded copper wire and made 2 lines {The wire only had 2 conductors}. I used 30 amp fuses in the box and a line for digital and analog. Used FIM 880 outlet and short runs of JPS IN WALL stuff just for short runs in the wall and more FIM outlets daisy chained together. I use no line conditioners but decent power cords. It has no surge protection and I do still hear a Pop when the dishwasher of heater kicks in. As far as I can tell the first 2 months were breakin time but the improvement was quite dramatic. My OTL amps had the most to gain but even my home theater setup and TV improved but not as dramaticly as the tube amps and 2 channel music system. The cost of doing it yourself is less than a couple of good power cords. If you need the web site for the wire let me know but by all means this tweak is "slicker that shit". I hope your not a Proctologist. Happy Trails