2. cables
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Do I need a power conditioner?

I’m in the process of dropping a dedicated 20 amp circuit or 2 into the music room.
So if I have a dedicated circuit for the amp, and a dedicated circuit for everything else,
is a conditioner useful?
I have several fairly decent systems going that I tweek and retweek.
Just got around to upgrading cables. Avoided conditioners because, in general, they dampen the presentation.
Was using a PS Audio PPP for low power components. But fell for the Shunyata spiel.
Plugged in a Hydra 4 with a Python Helix and was very happy with how it cleaned up the Zu Druids.
Seems high sensitivity speakers maybe reveal the grunge also.
Moved it to my system with the Martin Logans and the presentation seemed a bit lean and just a bit lifeless, using just copperhead cable to Hydra. (using all Pangea to get from the Hydra to other components.)
Then I put a Black Mamba from Classe amp straight to the wall and Wow! Single most significant tweek ever for me.
So I’m thinking, maybe I don’t need the Denali I ordered if I just use a couple dedicated circuits and some Shunyata power cords everywhere.
Opinions?
Thanks. :)
leotis

Showing 3 responses by cleeds

cleeds
6,087 posts
 
tubes444

... My audio system when all equipment is playing can surge up to 18 Amps ...

As far as the components. ALL R FUSED.

I don’t doubt that your system can draw 18A. Typically, a system such as that is best served by using multiple dedicated AC lines.

The fuses in your components are there to protect the component, not the AC line. Similarly, the breaker in your service panel is there to protect the AC line, not your components. If you’re using a 30A breaker on a line designed for 20A service - and that uses a 20A receptacle - that’s a clear violation of code. And it’s a potential fire hazard.

Use of ALL CAPS is considered shouting, btw.


cleeds
6,087 posts
 
tubes444

... You can start at your Master breaker panel. I installed Square-D Hospital grade 30AMP breaker ... I’ve used Sq-D 30AMP single pole/Dual function-CAFCI/CFCI

No it doesn’t require an electrician ...  If you don’t have a ground rod. Home Depot carries them. Even if you are a renter ...

I'm not sure what the benefit of a 30A breaker is in residential use where (in the U.S.) a 20A receptacle would be the largest single-phase outlet allowed under many local codes and, I'm pretty sure, the NEC. Moreover, the 30A breaker creates  hazard, because the rest of the circuit (especially the receptacle) isn't rated for 30A. That's a potential fire hazard.

A grounding rod bonded to the service panel is required by code and, often, code requires two rods. If there's no rod, you should contact an electrician or, if you're a renter, your landlord.
cleeds
6,087 posts
 
perazzi28
Generally speaking having 2 dedicated circuits can cause more problems than it will solve. If the two dedicated circuits are connected to the two halves of the balanced AC line you have just created a gigantic antenna
I'm not sure what you mean here. There is substantial potential benefit to using balanced AC. To whatever extent there may be an issue with induced noise, it's eliminated because it's a balanced line. That's the whole point and of course, a balanced AC line is by definition connected to both sides. Otherwise, it's an unbalanced line, which is much more susceptible to noise.
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