2. amps-preamps
  3. 1423456491

Amp and preamp on same outlet?

Just how much of a no-no is this? ARC goes as far to print in their manual to say to have the amp and preamp on their own circuit. I live in an apt. and I'm forced to have both plugged into the same outlet. Cords just don't reach....How much sound quality is lost by doing this? It sounds great as is, but is there a major detriment to this? I'm curious.
audiolover718

Showing 3 responses by mitch2

mitch2
4,283 posts
 
A well regarded equipment manufacturer told me having everything on the same line is optimum. I suspect this is related to the ground loop considerations Al posted. Also, this is based on the assumption the one line is a dedicated circuit, as posted by Lowrider57. I have two 20-amp dedicated lines but currently use only one of them into an Isoclean filter, and the system sounds great.
If I add the fuse values of my two amps, preamp, DAC, and linear supply for my computer, together, my system can only draw a total of 15 amps so, from a power supply standpoint, I do not need the second line. Although, I have considered upgrading the breaker to 30 amps.
I have read about some new grounding devices coming to market that are said to make significant improvements in some systems.
mitch2
4,283 posts
 
if I plug anything into the same outlet-dedicated circuit as my Krell 700cx, I can hear a difference of poor quality, the amp literally suck's the required power-current for a pre-amp, cd-player, etc... right out of the component's requirement needs to operate the way it was designed
I have a hard time believing you are drawing a full 20 amps, even with a large Class A Krell. Therefore, I do not understand how your amplifier can draw enough current to affect your other components on a dedicated 20 amp line, assuming the total current draw is not more than 20 amps. I am not arguing with you, but rather just trying to learn something here. Is there some other reason the sonics could be affected, like voltage fluctuations when the circuit approaches its maximum amperage? Any electricians or EEs here?
mitch2
4,283 posts
 
Thanks Al for the link. Interesting comments by Ralph and some reasons why power cords can sound different from each other. I had not seen that post before. Not sure if the voltage drop part is as applicable to my current Class D amps, which don't draw as much as my former Class A Claytons, or other big amps I have owned, but I went ahead and plugged the amps back into the second 20A circuit just in case I feel the need to rock out :~)
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