Why does better power = better sound?

Al, I'm sure I don't have much of a choice about more dedicated lines. My entire system is sucking juice from one 20A line, the biggest users being: ARC 130 wpc tube amo; ARC tube phono pre; ARC tube linestage; ARC tube CDP; TT; and the big Daddy of all -- Paradigm Servo Sub (rated at 1500 watts; 4500 watts on peak). What amazes me is that I'm not blowing the breakers, although when playing Beethoven's 6th, the house lights brown out during the thunderstorm in the 3rd movement.

I was thinking about running 3 dedicated Romex 20A lines. The problem is where and how. My wife will flip if I start tearing up the walls; ceiling is not an option. If Code allowable, I was thinking about running a couple of lines through a PCV pipe the length of my basement next to the wall board UNDER my electric wall heater, which I rarely use.

Any thoughts. BTW, how much is your Furman. Would I need one for each line?

Hi Bruce,

If the lights that are dimming are not on the same 20A line as the system, then it suggests that a lot of the voltage drop is occurring in wiring that is upstream of that line, presumably on the input side of the panel. In which case adding additional lines between the panel and the system would not resolve a lot of the problem.

It was some of the others who mentioned the Furmans. I'm using a $259 Brickwall surge suppressor, that also provides a modest amount of EMI/RFI filtering and some degree of isolation between its four dual outlets. I've been happy with the results, although I suspect that I have better than average power quality, as I'm in a fairly small low density town that has no industry and almost no commercial development.

A minor correction: It's the 4th movement that you are referring to, not the 3rd, although the two movements are played with no pause in between. One of my favorite symphonies!

Best regards,
-- Al

Bifwynne, new Elite 20PFi is $1019 at Audio Advisor. I bought used for $600. New Elite 15PFi is about $699, used currently listed at Audiogon for $350.

Al, you know your Beethoven - I'm impressed.

Al and Kijanki, I have the complete Gardner Beethoven symphony collection. Recorded on the Archiv CD label. Playback is quite good. Gardner uses a tazer to keep the orchestra really hopping! One of the better redbood CD in my collection.

Al and Kijanki, assuming I go forward with installing 3 or 4 dedicated lines, will I need a power conditioner for each line? Just talking out loud here, I wonder if there's a single device that I can install at the circuit box that will condition and filter the AC power for multiple dedicated lines.