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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
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!
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
jamesk58 OP
73 posts
 
Thanks Rushton. All good advice.
overhang
199 posts
 
Stay away from PS Audio outlets.Get Furutechs or Shunyata.Stereophile stopped reccomending them because of a poor build quality.
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
Rushtone, I know you want to give a good advice and I do agree with you in 99% but PLEASE BE VERY CAREFULL with Walker Audio SST on anything to do with power and tubes. I know a guy that almost burn his house down (first amps then carpet.....and almost a tradagey. Use it strictly on cables. If you want to use it on power plugs / outlets / tubes or sockets make sure you get it in writing from Walker.
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