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Looking for dedicated power line advice.

I've read just about everything I can find on running dedicated power lines. I met with a good electrician and he is going to run a dedicated line from the main panel to a 6 breaker subpanel with 6 20amp lines to my system. I have lots of questions. Here are a few:
(1) Should all 6 outputs be in the same phase? I've read conflicting opinions. In one of Jonathan Scull's Stereophile "Fine Tunes" columns he suggests that the AC output to a pair of monoblocks should be out of phase. This way noise will cancel out.

(2) Is it worth it to use Wattgate outlets ($150/ea) and will there be audible differences from Hubbel or Marinco or Leviton which would be MUCH cheaper?

(3) Is it worth it to use JPS Labs in-wall cable at $18/ft? Would Virtual Dynamics cable at $6/ft sound as good?? What about much cheaper Romex??

I figure I'm only going to do this once......but I hate dropping a ton of cash unless there is going to be an audible difference.

Thanks for the help!!!
hbrandt
docsavage
109 posts
 
Hi,
I have been in the building business for 30 yrs. I recently ran dedicated lines to my audio center. These wer 20 amp, one for each monoblocetc. I followed stereophile recommendations and ran standard 10 gage 3wire to each outlet.
The outlets were cryo treated purchased at audiogon. They were Hubbel outlets very reasonable price.
The installation definately improved sound.
I do think that you may not get much more if any improvement using the very expensive components you listed.
I would stick to basics. The dedicated lines are what is important.As to phasing I don't know but again I would stick to basic dedicated power flow.
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
As far as Wattgate vs Hubbell vs hospital outlets vs cryoed vs non cryoed... and all the other tweaky things: hard to tell the sonic differences, (for me) but the fundemental improvement in my sound comes from the combined effort of all these tweaks. I cannot hear the difference, most of the time, of a singular outlet, but change all the outlets back to regular?-- and the like, I think the differences become, though subtle, more noticable.
gs5556
1,218 posts
 
If you have a six-breaker panel with six 20-A breakers installed then you have no choice as to the phasing; the panel is full and you cannot - at least never attempt to - reconfigure the panel.

Word of caution: overloading one phase of a 120/240 leg can cause problems. The whole idea of having two balanced phases is to prevent neutral currents. Things like computers and fluorescent lights generate current themselves on the nuetral; having the phases out of balance magnifies the problem, not the least being a fire haxard.

I'm not saying you cannot have your audio gear on one phase or both phases - but whatever you choose just make sure both main feeders coming into the panel draw an equal amount of current (within 10%) with your audio gear on and with the other appliances operating normally.
hbrandt OP
272 posts
 
Lak:

I'm interested in your recommendation that all outputs should be in phase. Jonathan Scull has recommended that consideration be given to wiring monoblocks in opposite phase with the goal of cancelling noise. Take a look at this:

http://www.stereophile.com/finetunes/200/index1.html

I'm probably going to try it both ways.
peterd
122 posts
 
I agree with Lak on the first two points. But reservations though on the 'Virtual Dynamics' Wire.
Did a direct a/b with top quality BX wire and the difference is huge.VD wire was very artificial sounding which is kinda weird since I use a VD Nite, VD Signature and a Audition in my system.Go figure.
Suggestion !. Go to a good industrial supplier, not frigging Home Depot cause they sell the cheapest junk of anyone who will supply it cheapest to them.
Okay then ,Strip off a couple of feet of the 10 guage, 3 wire BX and check it out for discolorations in the copper and the smoothness of the copper. If it is clean and smooth ,no wrinkles, then buy it and you'll be happy.
I learned after trying about 6 kinds /types of wires.
Also check and secure the grounds,in a clean location as far away from any other ground wires.
PeterD
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