Power Cables and Wall Sockets

It would make a lot of sense for someone to start investing in a dedicated power line before even considering expensive power cords. Vince Galbo of MSB Technology has it right:

”The single biggest goal in improving audio is to install heavier gauge wire using the following guide.

• 1 to 40 feet: 10 gauge wire
• 40 to 60 feet: 8 gauge wire
• Over 60 feet: 6 gauge wire

Everything else in this paper is there to be sure you get the maximum benefit from the lower resistance of heavier wire! Skipping any steps is false economy.”

I have 8 gauge copper in my dedicated line and it did make an unmistakable difference. The cost was less than $200 if I recall correctly. The electrician was $75 per hour and I bought my own cable. 

+ 1 on a dedicated line AND Hubbell outlets.

Everything matters.

It would make a lot of sense for someone to start investing in a dedicated power line before even considering expensive power cords. Vince Galbo of MSB Technology has it right:

I agree!

artemus_5

1,613 posts

 

03-31-2022 at 07:29am

 

 

...FWIW I will also correct @carlsbad on the size wire in the wall going to the outlet. It is 12 ga rather than 14. I’ve seen 14 used for light switches but not outlets...

 

That’s not true everywhere, there are tons of homes out there wired to code minimum with 14 wire on 15amp breakers for the basic outlets, less the fridge, microwave, etc. The spec home industry doesn’t spend an extra nickel that isn’t required.

@builder3 rereading your post I'm not sure we disagree.  All the homes I've seen in CA have 14 gauge wire for 15 amp outlets.  I just installed a new circuit for my stereo using 10 awg. The old one was 14 ga/15a.  I've never come across a 12 gauge wire for 15 amp service but you can do it.  In my home, all the 12 gauge circuits have a 20 amp breaker.  I know because I replaced my breaker panel and breakers.  --Jerry