Dedicated Lines and Wall Boxes


So, I've read up here on how to run dedicated lines, but I have one remaining question. Do people run the individual runs of 12-2 cable down between the same wall studs and use a multiple-gang box, or is it better to run the cables down seperate wall cavities and use seperate boxes?

Thanks,
-Marc
mre2007
I am not known for harsh responses and certainly did not think my reply was anything more than factual. Metal boxes conduct and plastic ones do not. Steel is magnetic and plastic is not.

More specifically to your reply, what if isolated outlets are used in a steel box? Then the grounds wouldnÂ’t be sharedÂ…right?

That's true, but I have not found an outlet with isolated ground that sounds as good and even if substituting isolated outlets, that still does not deal with the issue of magnetics and the sound of a steel outlet box.

The magnetic part of the question is also still obscure to me. There are no complicated parts inside the outlet box and no music signal, so how does a magnetic field there affect the sound, and is there actually a magnetic field in the box?

Correct, there is no music signal. However, the electricity flowing through the box, outlet and power cords is part of the power supply of your equipment. The special care and feeding via better parts in those places pays off musically.

Anyway, what I was proposing was a cheap $1.69 solution by way of plastic outlet box. I stated my opinion that they had two strengths over their metal counterpoint.

Granted it would make no sense to tear apart ones home and pull out metal boxes, but most of the time the topic is ADDING new dedicated lines for as stereo.

Perhaps the question should be "Why do you prefer metal boxes?'

My bias comes from listening to both types of boxes and dozens of outlets as I experimented with my own system. What I wound up with is 14 dedicated lines with my outlets, preferential grounds and everything (except the breaker box) installed in plastic boxes (even the 240V runs).

By the way, I totally agree with your comment to Marc about getting help with his room acoustics. Acoustics is the "other half" of the stereo and can make or break all the electrical efforts.
Marc,

I would go with 3 dedicated lines 1 for your AMP/AMPS, 1 for your digital equipment and 1 for your analog equipment. As far as the location keep in mind that most power cords are 6' in length even for aftermarket unless you want to pay for the extra length. From a sound stage stand point your option 1 layout is the best.

As displayed in your other diagrams and per Alberts suggestion placing absorbution (SP) pannels at the first reflection points is a good idea. Also with your laminate flooring a nice wool throw rug infront of your speakers would help.

Good luck

Michael
Thanks Albert. I am sure you will forget more than I will ever know about AC for Audio. I always value experience over theory, and with these things you hear too much theory for my comfort. Nevertheless, I always like to know the "why" about things if possible.

Happy New Year to all.
Thank you for the kind words and sorry for any misunderstanding.

Happy New Year to you too, and everyone at Audiogon.
So I must design an audio grade non ferrous mechanically direct coupled brass electrical box.Tom