2. cables
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Sources for information and/or advice on dedicated AC lines desired

I have relocated, and the new house will allow me to at long last have dedicated AC power lines in the music listening room. Halleluiah! I’ve seen the topic discussed over the years, and have a general idea of what is needed, but can I get recommendations of sources of information about the details of what the optimum power and wiring system is, and exactly what to have done by a professional electrician (in the event that is necessary) to achieve it? And/or personal advice on wiring and power sources (excluding power conditioners---I mean just raw power. I already have Shunyata and Bybee units for conditioning) required for optimum sound quality? For instance:

- How many separate lines from the main panel to the room? Separate lines for sources vs. amps, analog vs. digital? My system sources are LP, analog tape, digital, and FM radio. Three tube pre-amps, a couple of tube and three SS power amps. And ESL speakers and powered subs also needing AC, of course.

- Amperage advisable for each line? 20 Amps?

- What to look for to determine if the already-installed wire is sufficient? And if it is not, the type and gauge of wire to have installed? 10g Romex?

- Grounding---metal rod into the earth?

- Anything else of concern not listed above.

Thanks for any recommendations of sources of information. Personal recommendations and/or advice also welcomed!

128x128bdp24
folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,349 posts
 
As an alternative has anyone considered installing the Tesla battery pack so as to take you off line for dedicated listening? 

A few years back I also looked into installing a fuel cell. Actually not that expensive but at the time the only ones available were too big for my needs

i suspect over the next few years there will be a wide variety of off grid whole house power options available 
bdp24's avatar
bdp24 OP
9,800 posts
 
Like solar panels? Great, now that I've moved to the dark, cloudy Pacific NW!
whart's avatar
whart
3,039 posts
 
Jea- yeah, i tried in NY and the local utility guy told me to get lost- i didn't say it was for audio, but we have separate buildings on this property and they still said no. I gather if I paid for it, they might reconsider, but I'm trying to get out of here. In Texas, seems a little more flexible, at least where zoning is multi-purpose. We shall see.
Folk- i use one component that has lithium battery packs, the Veloce line stage. It works great, sounds great, never an issue with charging, running time, etc. That shop in the UK that makes those oligarch speakers Living Voice?  has a battery system for audio- pretty pricey. 

bdp24's avatar
bdp24 OP
9,800 posts
 
Well, I have looked into the matter of AC outlets, and I do believe I'll pay to find out if my natural inclination towards needing to see a technical rational for a supposed source of sound difference is too strict. I'll get a Furutech GTX-D(R) and see if I can hear an improvement in the resolution, depth, and lack of grain in my system. If I can't, will I admit it ;-)? Is my system transparent enough to allow me to hear it? $150 is not too much to know I have good electrical continuity, in any case.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24 OP
9,800 posts
 
Something occurred to me today: Doesn’t the fact that a digital device is connected to a, say, pre-amp negate the benefit of having the two on different circuits? And if that is the case, is it so only if the connection is unbalanced? If the connection is unbalanced, by being electronically connected don’t the two therefore share a common ground, which facilitates the transfer of noise? My two digital pieces are connected to the others via balanced cables with XLR’s; does that, plus being on a different circuit than the analog pieces, insure that their self-generated noise will be kept out of the pieces they are connected to? That would be nice.
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