Material Specifications/Layout for AC line

I used 12AWG Belden (acquired from Ernie "Subaruguru" Munier) for my pre/source line, and 10AWG Romex for my amps line. For outlets, I used all PorterPorts. Ernie also helped me make up two custom 4-way breakout boxes with in-line switches. The one for the pre/source components used 12AWG Belden (w/ exterior ground wire) and the one for the amps used 9AWG Belden. I am very happy with the results.

Tom.

I have experimented over the last past three years with various wires to use for dedicated 20-amp circuits. I have the following wire in use in no special order:
1) 10 gage Romex
2) 10 gage UV
3) Belden 83802 (12 gage) (Some people say they hear a great difference using this)
4) Virtual Dynamics 10 gage BX Cryogenically treated with Cryo'd circuit breaker. *

I have not tried the following but I’m sure it works very well, 10 gage solid THHN (white/black/green) manually (electric drill) spiral twist and snake through conduit, grounded to the panel.

To my ears on my revealing system I hear NO difference between (1-4)! I think simply using a dedicated circuit with 10 gage copper makes the biggest difference.

I hope all that read this find it helpful, it’s cost me about $500 (out of my own pocket) to complete the testing.

* There might be other positive factors to using cryogenically treated wiring besides Sonics. It might lower the operating temperature of equipment.

I do not think there any breakers that work better than others for audio applications however it's possible that a cryo'd breaker and wire might have some advantages as mentioned above.

It is commonly recommended to run at least two or three dedicated lines from the breaker box.

As for your last question I recommend you read the post below on Audiogon in it's entirety:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1058278893&openfrom&1&4#1

I also like the cryo'd Porter Ports. They have become my favorite cryo'd outlet. For certain applications I also like the Wattgate outlet. Check out my review on the Porter Port outlet, there is other valuable information listed there.

I'm sure others will have some good suggestions also.
Best regards,

First of all,
Thanks to all for the replies received so far. After reviewing these and others in the archives, here's my plan:

Run (3) 20 amp dedicated lines. One for amplifier(s) with 2 additional oultets for possible future mono-blocks (nudge nudge!), one for digital gear and one for preamp/analog gear. I plan on using 10 gauge THHN from Home Depot or 12 gauge Belden cable from Ernie, for each line with Cry'od Porter Ports. I'll run all of these in a 3 channel pvc raceway (Panduit or Pan-way). I was thinking this would look nicer after painting to match walls.

Any further comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

Beatlebum:

You are on the right track for sure! Let us know how it works out.

Tom.

Tom,

Thanks and will do!