20 Amp Dedicated line: 10 gauge vs 12 gauge wire

Like Eldartford says, heat will not be a factor unless you have some very unusual system, giant Krell amps always on along with an older massive projector system, and a small stove, etc.
However, imo the 10 guage is the superior choice for the reason stated by Rushton.
Some will say the difference is not significant; but, as Keith Johnson of Spectral Audio has stated- its the sum of many small improvements that can result in a significant advantage. The 10 guage of the same quality wire will provide reduced impedance to the current flow, and that is desirable for amplifiers in particular. I would suggest the 'quality' of wire is just as, or more, important as the difference in guage. There is much higher quality wire used in robotics for example, with very significantly better shielding/grounding. I would examine that option as opposed to simply larger guage. Good luck & happy listening. Pete

Well it's been a few years, but I know my 20A lines are 10 guage wire. I think it's code here in Michigan?

Dave

Based on the responses, I just had my electrician run the 10 gauge Romex (sp?) wire; my distance was about 60 feet.

I have one thing plugged into the outlet now and that is an Audience Adept Response aR12. Into that, I have the following plugged in:

1). 2 Conrad Johnson LP275M's
2). 1 Conrad Johnson LP140M
3). 2 Conrad Johnson Premier 12's
4). Pre-amp
5). Pre-Pro
6). Plasma T.V.
7). CD player
8). DVD player
9). Cable Box

Would you feel confident that the single dedicated line is adequate for what is drawing from it? I would prefer NOT to run a second line as I only have one Audience Adept Response conditioner and do not want to spend the money on a second one.
Thoughts?

Thank you.

B.

Mr_Lewis, most of us running dedicated circuits have installed two or more. For example, in my minimalist two-channel system, I run three dedicated circuits: a separate 20 amp circuit for each of my Atma-Sphere MA-2 220w monoblocks, and a third circuit for the preamp and turntable. A fourth circuit is available for the occasional digital device.

The C-J Premier 12 amps would be happy to have their own circuit, as would the LP275M amps. Putting them all on the same circuit is, imo, a mistake.

It may also be beneficial to have the TV and digital equipment on a circuit separate from your preamps and from your power amps. Doing so may help reduce noise over the A/C lines feeding into other equipment.

Looks to me like you are a candidate for at least three dedicated circuits coming into your room. After installing the dedicated circuit(s), I encourage you to do some critical listening without the power conditioner. You may be surprised to find an improvement from taking it out of the chain, particularly with the amps.
.

Looks to me like you are a candidate for at least three dedicated circuits coming into your room. After installing the dedicated circuit(s), I encourage you to do some critical listening without the power conditioner. You may be surprised to find an improvement from taking it out of the chain, particularly with the amps.

I agree with Rushton, add additional dedicated lines and try removing that power conditioner. If your results are like mine, you'll wind up selling the conditioner for enough to pay the electrician.

My system has fourteen dedicated lines if you count the 240 volt Euro runs. Considering other equipment costs this is the cheapest and safest tweak you can do.

I say that having come from original wiring and upgrading to 2 dedicated lines. Later I added 2 more, making 4 dedicated. The last time I upgraded to 14 dedicated lines. Each time there was an improvement.