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Dedicated line help

Finally getting the dedicated line I've always wanted, but had a few questions on how it should be done for best results. My electrician is kinda young and is not an audiophile (the flipside is he's only charging 75 bucks to do it), so I'm relying on you guys for the details.

Some general info in case it's helpful: The system is in the basement and in the same room as the circuit box about 30 feet away. The wire will be fished behind the walls that fortunately have a few access panels between the box and my system, and there is no insulation between the wall and the foundation -- just some heat pipes (steam heat).

Questions:

Is 20amp strongly preferable over 15amp line or does it not matter that much? I'm currently running a 125wpc push/pull solid state amp but may very well run something like a 100wpc class A ss amp in the future, if this makes a difference.

I'm going to purchase a Porter Port, but is there certain type/brand of wire that should be used from the circuit box to the Port or will the standard stuff do fine?

Should I have him run 2 lines -- one for analog and one for digital, or is there another way to separate these guys (or is it sufficient just to do this at the power conditioner, which I don't have yet)?

Anything this guy could do wrong that could cause problems or create a fire hazard?

Any other tips you guys have either on the installation or equipment would be most appreciated. THANKS FOR ANY THOUGHTS/HELP.
soix
thorman
1,262 posts
 
I would only suggest doing three lines 2 analog and one digital..You will be pissed later if you decide to add another component and don't have the extra line..Its not much more bother and expense,so do it now or be sorry later.......
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Use cable which is UL-approved or your fire insurance will likely be voided. Chris Ven Haus of VH Audio sells cryo-treated 12 gauge Romex cable for just this purpose. I would think that would be worth using. After all, your Porter Port (good choice!) is cryoed.

Do get at least two lines pulled while you're at it. If three, as Thorman suggests, is too many, well, you can always isolate your digital gear with an iso transformer later on. Make sure the electrician runs the lines independently all the way back to the breaker box--no shared neutral buss.

Use 12 gauge wire, not 14.

This is a good move, you will not regret it.
j_bailey
53 posts
 
Go with 20 amp circuits. 12 Ga. is now recommended for residential circuits and that is adequate for 20 amps. Once you go with 12 ga. the cost difference is the circuit breaker cost difference which is trivial. If your code allows, use PVC conduit.
donaudio
129 posts
 
If you go with two or three lines make sure that all are on the same leg from the breaker box otherwise you may run into ground loop problems.
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