2. cables
  3. 987256243

Dedicated power circuit

I am new to high-end audio and basically a skeptic. I never would have believed that cables and interconnects could make a significant difference in the sound of a system. After one year of experimenting, I have seen that the right cables can make a huge sonic difference.

My small system (Plinius 8150, Creek CD-43, B&W Matrix 803, Harmonic Tech Truthlinks and Pro-9s, Powersnake Black Mamba and JPS Digital PC). The system is connected to a 15 amp circuit that is not used by any other loads (although other outlets, etc. are on the circuit). I am using a Hubbell hospital-grade outlet.

I'm considering installing a dedicated 20 amp circuit.

My questions: Is this an important upgrade? If so, is there a special romex-type cable that I should use for the 60' run to my main panel?

Thanks for your advice.
Joel
joeldoss
joeldoss OP
94 posts
 
Dill,
Thanks for the response. Is a double duplex box one that holds two outlets? Is there a reason for this other than having space for four power cords? Also, does the 10 gauge Romex fit most Hubbell-type outlets?
Thanks, Joel
42659
77 posts
 
Stay away from romex, its Crap. It was never designed for audio applications. The best is 10 guage stranded, silver plated coper with teflon coating. The same wire used in the power snakes. I bought mine from storm products directly. I recall it was about 12-15 cents a foot. I believe ther website is www.stormproducts.com. John
joeldoss OP
94 posts
 
John . . . thanks for the input. I visited the storm products website but was unable to find the 10 gauge wire you mentioned. They have hundreds of cables and wires and I will continue to look. Joel
garfish
1,840 posts
 
Hi Joel; I put a dedicated AC system and ground in about a year ago, and yes it was a very worthwhile upgrade. I used 6 gauge stranded wire as it was already in place. The electricians connected the 6 gauge to a four 20 amp breaker submain, and then much smaller gauge wire to four Hubbell duplex outlets. For ground, I had 3 six foot copper rods driven into the ground within a few feet of the outlets.

One bad side effect of this dedicated system was a significant brightness in my system that was only cured by good quality power cords, ie I was hearing the "sound" of the stock power cords. Otherwise, music had a dramatically lowered noise floor, and became much more transparent. It cost me about $800. for parts and eletrician labor. Good Luck. Craig
42659
77 posts
 
A few of you have asked so hear is the parr # for stormproducts. #WG1037-9. This is UL1180 10 guage 37 strands of silver plated copper. This is what the powersnake man uses to make his expensive chords. He told me this about 1 year ago. I bought 250 feet of wire in Jan 2000 for $270. Its the best I know of. John
More to discover