2. cables
  3. 1186505197

PC & Dedicated Power Lines Questions

I'm about ready to upgrade my powerlines with dedicated 10awg 20A runs. To see what's in my system, click "system". I have just added a Shunyata Hydra 8, but haven't upgraded it's power cord yet (thought I'd make my own). A little background, I'm a electronic tech and I work on big servo looped systems (CNC mills, stretch presses that are analog feedback). So I know how important it is for good cableing with no noise. Most my power cords are DIY with either 10AWG wire or beldon 83803 with Oyaide P/C-79 connectors. My amps still have the OEM cords for now untill I get my incoming power straightened out.
Question 1) I was going to add 3 incoming lines with 10AWG wire on 20A curcuits off of the same leg or phase. One for each mono amp (might add my soround amps on them too) and a third to power all the front end stuff including a TV. Is this overkill? Should I just plug the hydra in my already supplied 15A line (it has a pass-Seymour outlet) and just add dedicated power for my amps?
Question 2) Power Cords. I just can't beleave the cost of these!! I can get hi quality fine strand 10awg copper twisted 4 conductor cable for free. I also have a bunch of 5 cond 16awg twisted with sheild. I was tempted to make power cords for my amps and Hydra from this and I have made some power strips already with Oyaide and Pass & Seymour outlets (see my system for pic under Oyaide). The Beldon 83803 is a PITA to work with and in my field it is considered cheap cable. I'm suriosly looking at VH Audio Flavor 4 DIY cords with Oyaide connectors. Flovor 4 for amps and Flavor 2 fro my Preamp. I have a sheilded beldon on my CD player now. What are your thoughts?? What PC cord should I use for the Hydra, was going to buy a used Shunyata Python Alpha, but just thinking of making a flavor 4 for it? Sorry for the long post but am curious to opinions. Thanks.
Scott
sgsoundnut
sgsoundnut OP
17 posts
 
Thanks for your opinion. I'll look into Jena Labs outlet, where did you get them. I didn't feel it was overkill, but I talked to someone about it and they thought I was nuts. I was wondering about 2 circuits for the front end, but getting the power up there will be a pain. I sort of have a plan. My panel is in my garage on the same wall I need to run power to upstares. It might be easier to put my outlets in the floor rather then drilling up through my ceieling and floor plates to snake the wire inside the walls. Any input on power cords??
Thanks
thorman
1,262 posts
 
Hi : I think Rushton makes a good point.Once up and running you maynot need to Hydra...I did the 3 line dedicated line upgrade ( 12 guage ) ,with 2 for analog and one for digital and it worked out great..I am using the Vh Audio flavor4 power cords you mentioned (with the Gold option..) Very good p/cords for amps...for the money ...You could also consider Albert Porters cryo Hubbles for plugs..They work very well and only cost $36 (aprox each)..
sgsoundnut OP
17 posts
 
Interesting on the Hydra comments, I do get lots of power spikes and such from storms in the winter (WA State). I like the insurance of surge protection, but maybe I won't need the hydra which would free up some space. I've heard good things on the Hydra and they seem to sell fast. Thanks for the input and the VH Audio stuff. Not sure if I can pull off 2 lines for the front end being my box would full. But it's a thought worth considering. Thanks.
Scott
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
Scott, I find the surge protection clamping circuits in most conditioners often affect sonics, but more important, they don't adequately protect your equipment from the really bad stuff (lightening strikes.)

And as others already rightly pointed out, you probably will get best performance from the ded. cts. alone, so why add a dynamics-degrading conditioner just for surge protection?

Here's a great solution that's inexpensive (about $2.50 for four dedicated circuits ;-) and highly effective: wire a high speed diode (MOV device) between the "house" side of each dedicated circuit breaker, and ground, inside the panel. Any surge will close the diode and trip the breaker before it can even reach your equipment (that's why it's called a 'high speed' diode). You'll simply have to replace the poor little diode, which sacrificed its life for your gear ;-)
.
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
You can order the Jena Labs outlets direct from Jena Labs. Here's the web site link:
www.jenalabs.com/ac-products/ac-parts.html

Lloyd Walker introduced me to these outlets. He uses them in his own system and in his incredible Velocitors. Jena Crock has Hubbell manufacture these for her in a special production run using some of their 30 amp back plane parts but configured as a 15-20m amp outlet. She then takes them through a deep immersion, long cycle cryo treatment.

I don't have any experience with power cords on a Hydra, sorry. I do like the Silent Source Signature power cords sold by Lloyd Walker and use them here on the Atma-Sphere MA-2 amps with good results.
.
More to discover