I would like share some info in regards to the Krell references made on this thread.
I also believe the info would be of interest to the OP Audiolover.
If I can ask Audiolabyrinth a couple questions first.
@Audiolabyrinth
Am I reading your posts here right that you are using a 30 amp circuit breaker, but not 30 amp rated line or a 30 amp outlet; and therefore a 30 amp terminated male end on your Krell power cord ?
Has your 20 amp line been checked ?
So I have a friend considering a Krell amp. He has a shared 15 amp line for his present set up. To offer him more insight I reached out to Patrick at Krell about a dedicated 15, 20 and even 30 amp service (in a second email) - this due to what I read in this thread.
I would like to share this info from Patrick.
Patrick's answer.
The answer to this is somewhat dependent on the speakers being used, as well as the length of the speaker cables. We recommend 20 amp service because with rare exception it almost always works best in terms of the amplifier always having continuous current available to be able to instantly respond to whatever type of listening style a customer may have.
The above now said, in some homes installing a 20 amp line is either not possible, and or its install cost can be prohibitive, depending on the age of the house. I know for a fact that there are many customers out there who are successfully running systems with large Krell amplifiers using a 15 amp line. Would there be a dramatic sonic difference between using a 15 amp line and a 20 amp line? Maybe and maybe not. A good stiff 15 amp line verses a weak 20 amp line, in my opinion you would probably not hear the difference between these two.
As the expression goes, the proof is in the end result. If when using a 15 amp line, the amp sounds open and fast and detailed with good bass and sound staging, and it does not pull the 15 amp line breaker down during loud playback or loud musical transients, he should be good to go as is. However if he is tripping the 15 amp AC line breaker occasionally during playback, he should go up to a 20 amp line if possible.
The Key words that stood out to me in the above.
Speakers used
Length of Speaker Cables
The proof is the end result (the amp sounds open and fast and detailed with good bass and sound staging)
A good stiff 15 amp line versus a weak 20 amp line.
And from some of the discussions on this thread about 30 amp service I asked.
Whats the deal with 30 amp service. Is it ever needed or warranted.
FWIW I take his response as normal for someone representing a company that makes high power amplifiers.
Patrick's response
As they say, the more the better and giving a powerful amp like the FPB-600/600c/700cx a dedicated 30 amp line will make a serious difference from a performance perspective that would be obvious straight across the audio frequency spectrum. Under these circumstances however you would need to re-terminate the male end of the amps AC cord with a 30 amp twist lock type male connector. Is this really needed? Not really. But you asked . . .
I interpret Patrick's comments that for 30 amp service, a 30 amp breaker, 30 amp line, 30 amp outlet and a 30 amp male connector is required to go this route.
Happy Listening.