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Dedicated power,long power cords - waste of time?

I am thinking about putting in a couple of dedicated lines but if I do this I will require extra long power cords, say about 20 feet in length, as the dedicated outlets must be installed across the room from where my system resides? There is no way around this.

Currently I have 3 pieces on 1 15 amp line. Bryston amp, Hovland preamp and my digital gear is plugged into a small BPT conditioner also on the same line. Installing 2 lines would allow me to drive the preamp and amp on their own lines and leave the digital alone on its own.

The downside is having to run 2 really long power cords which I would plug directly into the amp and preamp's IEC inlets.

Am I spinning my wheels here? Is this money down a rathole???

All opinions and/or related personal experiences are most welcome.
rgd
jea48
2,944 posts
 
Rannagarden, your pictures were interesting to look at. I am always interested how things are done in other countries.
Here in the United States the only thing that comes close to the cable you used is MC cable which is UL listed, for use in the USA.

I noticed in your pics the insulated pipes above your head. On the corners and one area against a wall, is that exposed asbestos?
Jim
tvad
9,467 posts
 
But please do not take my comments out of context as I stated "MAYBE a blacker background" not definite.
Chuck, the only point I made was my perception of the importance of a black background.

Sometimes, folks expect Fireworks and a Happy Ending when installing dedicated lines or other tweaks. My intent was simply to discuss the significance of the subtle benefit of a black background.

I apologize for using your post to launch my comment.
lacee
811 posts
 
I run 2 dedicated 20 amp lines across my carpeted basement floor from my panel to my equipment. I use 10 guage waterproof, shielded cable bought at Home Depot. I have seen this cable run outdoors at concerts so electrocution is not an issue.You can not run Romex solid core in this fashion.The waterproof cable also goes around corners and stays where you put it, much like a good power cord. Try an IEC connector at the end of the cord going to your power amp and forget about an after-market cord for awhile.
rannagarden
44 posts
 
Jea48 - No worries Jim. My cellar hides plenty of not so nice things... But no asbestos ;) I will clean that place up a bit when the rest of the house is done.

The cable I used is the "ÖLMASS" 3x13 AWG and is approved in all ways for this type of installation. The braided "shield" of the cabel is connected to "earth" at fusebox. The fuse is a 16A gold-fuse for audio use.

Best,
Mike
budt3210
19 posts
 
The only advantage to dedicated lines is the fact that you have more available power.However audio components use very little power so I doubt it is neccessary unless you are running multiple amps for a H.T setup as I am.
A dedicated line does not isolate noise as many audiophiles imagine.I have no idea where they get this idea from.All the wires in your house meet back at the fuse panel and so they all share the same bus bar and therefore share feedback.
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