Dedicated line: 10 gauge solid core or 8 gauge stranded

If there's a twisted 10/2, I never ran across it.

10 gauge solid core, solid copper is what you want A) because it’s likely the max code where you are, check and then double check in your area to be sure and B) stranded will likely give more audio problems as it ages.

There are times when the book calls for 10awg, or even larger, but almost never is it approved, just don’t buy anything "copper coated" (get solid copper all the way to ground) or stranded and you should be fine unless your amps are Very high powered.

If you need/can get 8awg, get solid core.

Many thanks!

@gs5556, that sounds pretty intriguing and I don't recall coming across anything like that before (i.e. the usual electrical supply houses). What is the name of that item and where did you find it?

Thanks,

John

@galpi If you can justify it, particularly if it’s new construction (as opposed to remodel), I might try to separate out your subs from the rest of the system...unless you never listen above half your available amp power (at half amp power - not halfway on your volume control). Especially if it's going to be a long cable run from your breaker box.

If a remodel, ask your electrician to explain how much rerouting, if any, he might have to do in order to balance the 2 phases (assuming you have 2 of them), because all your system circuits will have to be on the same electrical phase in order to avoid hum. But, just adding 2 system legs onto one of your existing phases and letting it go at that will likely result in the 2 phases now being out of balance (unless you plan to add 1 or 2 non-audio legs of roughly similar amperage on the opposite phase to balance it all out)...and barring that, then you’d have to look at taking an existing breaker or two and removing them from the system-side phase and move them over to the opposite phase to balance against the amperage of your system (routine work for any electrician). He should be able to estimate that ballpark cost for you.

@gs5556 Finally found the Lowes brand of twisted 10/3 in solid core (hiding from me in plain sight), which I’m considering for an upcoming remodel. That may be all I’ve seen so far, but the price is right and (I’m supposing) I can connect the extra wire to ground along with the bare conductor and get the best noise rejection without causing any noise problems, as opposed to letting the 4th conductor remain unconnected??