1. Home
  2. amps-preamps
  3. 123927-3462

Dedicated Line(s), One Line or Two?

We are renovating our NYC condo (in a 1960, 175 apartment building) and using it as an opportunity to run a dedicated line direct from the breaker box to the two-channel system (20 amp, 12 gauge wire).  The contractor ran the line (singular) as requested.  But now I'm reading that ideally we should have two dedicated lines, one for the digital source (CDP) and one for the analog components.  The problem is that running the one line took a lot of work, chopping wall channels, removing molding, etc., and the new line has already been closed in.  I could have it redone to add a second line, but it won't be easy or cheap.  (Obviously I should have done more homework sooner.)   Questions: How much "dedicated line" benefit am I giving up if I just stick with one line, and have two duplex outlets on that one line?   Put differently, having gone to the trouble to add one dedicated line, will I still get enough improvement, so as not to feel like a complete fool for not adding a second line?   Is there a material downside to having digital and analog both drawing power from the same line?  Any input appreciated.  
whitecap
whitecap OP
97 posts
 
ARC CD-8 (CDP)
Einstein Tube Preamp
Einstein Light in Dark, hybrid amp
McIntosh MEN 220 Room Correction
KEF Reference 201/2
JL Audio F112 Sub
whitecap OP
97 posts
 
I should add:  no TV, no AV.  Its strictly for the 2-channel rig.
whart's avatar
whart
1,930 posts
 
Let me throw a question into the mix that may help. I have multiple dedicated lines but they are still affected by noise elsewhere in the household electrical system since, by code, they must still share a ground. So, I guess my question is whether having two dedicated lines will effectively isolate the analog side from whatever noise the digital side potentially creates. (I don't use digital in my system so I can't speak to that). Rather than breaking walls again (i've been there many times in different houses), wonder whether some high quality 'box' that plugs into your single dedicated line can help you isolate- something that some power conditioners offer. I don't use any power conditioning so I can't help you on that front either (though I do use an isolation transformer for my tone arm compressor and it effectively shields against a nasty spike over the system whenever the compressor motor cycles)- I doubt an isolation transformer will shield against digital noise- but my point is, using something in a 'box' that plugs into an outlet can work (and will save you some labor and plaster dust). Be interested to see what the real tech/geek/engineering squad here says. 
winoguy17
592 posts
 
 I have 2 dedicated lines, both 20A.  One is just for my power amp, the other for my pre, CD, TT, and phono pre. I think it sounds great, but I have no idea what a separate line for the digital would be like and have no immediate plans to find out. I'll obsess about something else!
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
3,018 posts
 
It’s’ when you add computer audio into your system that a second line is absolutely necessary. Computers generate noise through the power line.
I wouldn’t worry about a second line, with your system a 20 amp breaker is just right. If you had mono blocks, you might need a separate line due to high current draw.
Start listening to music and see how it sounds.
More to discover