advice on dedicated line

Minorl, thanks for your comments, most of which I agree with. However, I would respectfully disagree with the following, especially in a situation such as Margot's where the power consumption of the system is not particularly high:

I don't buy the argument that everything must be connected to the same tap on the service panel connection. That is really not true and it is really a violation of code.

Regarding the sonic issues that are involved, see my post here, and the links provided therein (the main one being the ExactPower link, which Jim had called to our attention earlier in that thread). (Ignore the first paragraph of my post, which is on a different subject).

Regarding code compliance, Jim can speak to that more knowledgeably than I can, but it seems to me that the only way a system having typically modest power requirements such as this one could cause non-compliant allocation of loading between the two phases would be if the existing installation were already marginally non-compliant, and the electrician then chose the wrong phase (i.e., the one that is more heavily loaded) for the dedicated lines.

The bottom line: I agree with Elizabeth's initial statement regarding this issue.

Best regards,
-- Al

Al; Thanks for the response. I can tell you that I have reviewed many home systems personnaly and each with dedicated lines that were run balanced to the panel as I indicated, and they did not negatively impact the system or sound. However, If people want to wire to one side of the panel. More power to them. The most important thing is to have dedicated (three wire) lines. I advocate plugging all low level devices into the same line/conditioner to help to eliminate ground loops. For amps, several things can be of consideration. If the amps are low power amps, then yes, they can be both share the same dedicated line. however, for high power amps, I recommend separate dedicated lines per amp. the problem will arise when talking to a qualified electrician and he/she ask what the power ratings are of the equipment. They will want to balance the loads as per code. Some may do it per the customer's request. Not a major issue for me. The real issue is dedicated (three wire) lines.

enjoy

MANY THANKS to all of you for your careful and detailed advice. I think I am ready to call an electrician!

cheers,

Margot

Very informative thread and a model for how this forum should operate. I am no expert on this but I have to agree that one dedicated line should be plenty for your (and most other) systems. As has been stated, running a single line avoids a host of potential problems associated with multiple lines. I am running a single line to a bank of 4 Porter Port duplex outlets behind my rack. I also turn off my digital playback machine when I'm listening to vinyl--not sure if it makes a difference but there you go. Finally, while there have been a number of suggestions about powerstrips etc. I don't think I see reference to the Environmental Potentials 2050 which acts as both a surge suppressor and noise reducer. It is made for very high technology industrial applications but has found favor among audiophiles as well. I had one installed on my panel along with the dedicated line and my system is dead quiet. Hope this helps.