Run at least two dedicated 20 amp lines, you can always Revert back to one line if you think it sounds better. I have 6 in my dedicated audio room, and I don't have any ground loops.
Dedicated lines — how many? Other advice?
We're redoing our basement and adding an additional panel. This room will become a media room. I may be video and audio at different ends of the room if possible. Not sure.
To be powered:
Video
1. TV
2. AVR
Audio:
1. R & L Monoblock tube amps
2. Preamp
3. DAC
4. CD transport
5. Streamer
6. 3 Subwoofers
QUESTIONS:
(a) Does everything on the list need a dedicated line? Could all benefit? (Including the TV and AVR). Or can I skip the video stuff.
(b) How many dedicated lines for the audio alone? How would you group components on each line?
(c) Any other advice?
Here is the advice I've gathered so far (some from the web, some from A'gon):
To be powered:
Video
1. TV
2. AVR
Audio:
1. R & L Monoblock tube amps
2. Preamp
3. DAC
4. CD transport
5. Streamer
6. 3 Subwoofers
QUESTIONS:
(a) Does everything on the list need a dedicated line? Could all benefit? (Including the TV and AVR). Or can I skip the video stuff.
(b) How many dedicated lines for the audio alone? How would you group components on each line?
(c) Any other advice?
Here is the advice I've gathered so far (some from the web, some from A'gon):
- Get a whole house surge suppressor put in.
- Use the heaviest gauge copper Romex you can use, never less than 12 gauge and typically 10 gauge (the lower the gauge number the thicker the wire conductors).
- Use a 20 amp breaker for even the lowest draw source equipment feed.
- Make sure the power lines are balanced on each side of the power panel.
- Don't let them staple the wire to the 2x4's inside the walls….Work out some other solution that neither uses ferrous metal fasteners nor pinches the wiring when secured to the framing. The physical pinching can lead to a somewhat narrower audio bandwidth…