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Dedicated Line ....... my system SUCKS

Hey there , actually my system sucks current. I have a pair of Cary CAD 500 monoblocks, Maggie 3.6 speakers with a Aesthetix preamp. I have had issues with amps shutting down . I am going to create a dedicated circuit for the above mentioned gear . I can do a couple of adjacent locations. Currently have a 15 amp line for the entire room . I am looking to those of you who have incite . what did you do to obtain the maximum amperage from the breaker box to the wall outlet ? did you notice a improvement ? this dedicated line of 10 gauge wire is only 12 feet to the outlet. It seems as if a 20 amp receptacle is the highest rating for a duplex outlet - I was going to install a 30 amp breaker but not sure if I would realize its potential. In closing , a note for those wondering , the amps were checked out by the manufacturer and are fine. the speakers are on 25 foot runs of Kimber 8tc. thanks in advance for your thoughts and advice. PS - I have been known to crank up the volume
lezdam

Showing 1 response by jea48

jea48
4,313 posts
 
this dedicated line of 10 gauge wire is only 12 feet to the outlet. It seems as if a 20 amp receptacle is the highest rating for a duplex outlet - I was going to install a 30 amp breaker but not sure if I would realize its potential.
Lezdam,

I doubt your problem is on the electrical power side. One quick way to check for VD (voltage drop) is with a volt meter connected at the receptacle the audio equipment is plugged into. Take the reading with the equipment turned on and playing dynamic music with the volume cranked up to where you listen to it loud....

If the voltage does not sag during the test then you do not have a VD problem.

As for using a 30 amp breaker it will not change anything. The guts in a 30 amp breaker are the same as in a 15 amp breaker. Only the trip unit is different.

Also the maximum breaker that can be used for two or more 15 recepts or a 20 amp recept is a 20 amp.

If the 15 amp breaker is not tripping the breaker is not the problem.

Per NEC code a 20 amp receptacle, (NEMA 5-20R) must be connected to a 20 amp branch circuit breaker.....

As for your problem Markus1299 post is more than likely the cause and solution. Shorter speaker wire.
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