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Dedicated power and outlets

I'm having a room addition built and will house my audio gear there. I was thinking of dedicating a circuit to just my equipment which consists of amp, pre amp, cd player, and laptop I use to play lossless digital files- my main source.

Will also set-up a home theater separately, but not really concerned about it cause I don't watch many movies or TV other than sports.

Mainly want to insure optimum sound quality at a reasonable price.

What should I use in terms of outlet(s), cabling from circuit box(which is about 3 feet away from where I will hook-up) or whatever else would seem appropriate? I'm not looking for super high end, just something that would make sense since the situation presents itself to "do it right".

Thanks for any input.
jamesk58
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
Use a PS outlets - about $60( these are really good. I am not a big fan of tweaks but this one works.)
The thickest yellow jacket ( the one with the 'bee' on the box - sorry forgot the name - it is in extensions section ) cable in Home Depot. Check city codes first.
I would also run at least 2-3 separate lines.
It is much easier to do it now (and cheaper) plus you can plug your digital to one and analog to the other. Video also on separate circuit.
Just my 2 cents.
Cheers and good luck with your new room.
Mariusz.
paladin's avatar
paladin
227 posts
 
Use 2 dedicated lines (30 amp) for each system - 1 for amps & 1 for digital.
Wouldn't hurt to do the same for your H/T setup.
You can also bridge each dedicated line with 2 or more outlets depending on the power of the amps.
jamesk58 OP
73 posts
 
Thanks Mariusz and Paladin. It looks like multi-lines is the way to go and I'll check out the PS Outlets. Wouldn't think Home Depot would have something more than average quality but I'll look next time I'm in. There's also a MarVac electronic supply store nearby. I'll see what they may have, too.

Thanks again.

Jim
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
To add yet another voice to this...

I'd follow Mrjstark's recommendation to run 2-3 separate 20 amp lines, not just one.

Use 10ga or 12ga romex type cable (your distance is short enough not to worry with 10ga, so the 12ga would probably be fine; don't use 14ga). (If you use an armored cable or metal conduit for some reason, prepare for some additional steps...)

Run each line as a separate home run of cable from the circuit panel to the outlet, no intermediate boxes, connections or splices. Connect to only a single outlet at the end of run of cable, don't gang two receptacles at the end of a line.

Order some "PorterPort" outlets from Albert Porter here on Audiogon. They are the most cost effective outlet alternative that will give excellent sonic results.

Connect all of your lines on the same phase of your incoming power at the service panel if you have the available slots to do so.

Keep your amp and preamp on circuit(s) separate from your digital gear.

If you use a contact enhancer for other connections in your system (such as Walker Audio SST), ask your electrician to use it on the electrical power connections for your audio system, too.

Good luck. Hope you enjoy your new room!
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