advice on dedicated line

A 15 amp circuit is 1800 watts,a 20 amp circuit is 2400 watts. I don't know of any audio or video system that comes close to using that much power! I think this is all overkill if I am wrong please someone clue me in? I always thought it was safer to have a 15 amp circuit breaker so it would trip before frying your components! Like I said if I am wrong please explain! Thanks much

Elizabeth, now that makes sense! Thanks

I doubt that there is much likelihood that having a 15 amp breaker instead of a 20 amp breaker would ever make a meaningful difference with respect to protection of the equipment, especially given the protracted breaking times circuit breakers generally have for marginal overloads. The fuses in the components are primarily what protect the components. The breakers are there primarily to protect against overheating of the house wiring, and to protect against the possibilities of electrocution or fire that might otherwise result if an insulation failure in a component were to cause a short between AC and chassis.

Yes, two 20 amp lines, or even one 20 amp line, is certainly overkill with respect to the current requirements of Margot's system, and the majority of other systems. However, the associated heavier gauge wiring, and perhaps also the more substantial outlet and breaker, could conceivably provide a sonic benefit by reducing both AC voltage loss and AC voltage fluctuation that would occur in the wiring as a result of the fluctuating current draw of the system, particularly of the power amplifier.

So while I see the possibility of a benefit from having a 20 amp line rather than a 15 amp line, albeit perhaps a slim one, I see no downside.

Regarding two lines vs. one line, as I indicated above there are tradeoffs involved, which don't have much if any predictability. And experimenting with different configurations of what is plugged in where is arguably the only way to assure optimal results. So if Margot is going to the trouble of having one dedicated line installed, I see no reason for her to not have a second one installed at the same time, thereby providing the flexibility to try different configurations.

Best regards,
-- Al

Speaking from experience, yes, the size of wire on the dedicated lines will make a difference. About 3 tears ago, a friend decided to experiment with this, mainly because another close friend of his was an electrician. He had always used 2 dedicated lines of 12 gauge with basic heavy duty outlets, then just changed the wire to a standard 10 gauge romex. From there, he changed to the VH Audio 10 gauge romex. In each case there was a definite improvement in overall sound quality emerging from an even blacker background. Then he experimented with outlets, finally deciding on the Porter Port, and I agree, the Porter Port sounded the best overall. I do feel very fortunate to have this first hand experience on dedicated lines, and can say that the possibility stated by Al is a reality.