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Dedicated AC Line or Upgrade Equipment?

I am wondering how many of you out there have dedicated ac line for your audio system. I have heard that getting a dedicated ac line does wonders for your system.

By dedicated ac line I mean either having a sub-circuit totally dedicated to your audio, or in some cases, running a separate 20-amp ac line with its own electric meter. In the extreme case, I have heard that people have bought power generators (no - not the PS Audio kind) to power their entire audio system so that they can get the optimal audio performance.

I am thinking about upgrading to a class A amp on my system. However, I am concerned that without a dedicated 20 amp line, I may never get the optimal performance out of the class A amp. For example, I currently bi-amp my main left/right speakers with a Krell KAV-1500 5 channel amp (class AB). In the owners manual, Krell advises using a dedicated 20 amp line to get the optimal performance out of the amp.

So is it a moot point to even think about further equipment upgrades when the source of my audio system is not optimized - that is, when I don't have a dedicated ac line.

I like to hear from people who have experienced with dedicated ac line and whether they think it is worth getting a class A amp before one has a dedicated line.

Thank you for sharing your insight.
avguy
g_m_c
443 posts
 
I saw tremendous benefit with the installation of a dedicated circut. I reccommend looking into the JPS Labs "in the wall" cable in lieu of standard romex. It is expensive, but can make an even greater difference. Then you can look at an audiophile grade dulex recepticle. I used an FIM, very reasonable. These upgrades will benefit all of your components.

good luck.
alexanderj
139 posts
 
Avguy, it wouldn't surprise me that a dedicated line would improve your present system as well. If you want to do a mock up, purchase a new 12 gauge grounded extension cord and run it from your laundry outlet (of course temporarily disconnect your laundry appliances)to your sound system. If you have a dishwasher in the kitchen that has a plug in that would be an alternative as well. Avoid the kitchen counter top outlets and bathroom outlets that have ground fault protection. See if you detect an improvement.

I noticed a significant improvement with my dedicated line.

Plenty (hours) of additional info and input if you search the forum archives.
stehno
1,453 posts
 
I have one dedicated 20 amp circuit/line for my amp and two dedicated 15 amp circuits/lines for my digital source and preamp.

I believe that so long as you have decent to excellent quality equipment, you should realize a significant improvement at both the micro- and macro-dynamic levels.

Therefore, assuming your equipment is decent quality or better, you should consider the dedicated line(s) no matter what you decide about upgrades.

And as far as audio upgrades and tweaks, the dedicated lines are among the cheapest tweak.

I would not recommend a sub-panel. Have your electrician replace the standard circuit breaker with a double circuit breaker.

You may also consider purchasing a roll of 10 gauge 99.95% OFC romex from perhaps partsexpress.com at $100. It's better than the Home Depot standard romex variety.

While you're at it, you could also install some hospital or audio grade wall outlets. Even the cheap 20 amp wall outlets at Home Depot are usually significantly better than the even cheaper 15 amp outlets just in the way they grasp the plug.

-IMO
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