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  3. 176414-125055

Installing dedicated 10 gauge lines

Everyone keeps saying how important it is to have a dedicated 10 gauge line from your breaker box to your amp (I have a Diablo 300), and a second one to your source components (primarily an InnuOS Zenith Mk 3 streamer/Roon core).

I would love to do this, but isn’t this a major expense, like $15k or more? Does all the drywall back to the breaker box need to be ripped out to install the new lines?

Sorry if these are dumb questions. If the answer to the above is yes and yes, this project definitely won’t get past my wife!

As an aside, on the same 15A circuit, I have my amp, streamer, a Mac Mini that is normally on, my TV, video game consoles, and a network switch. So, obviously not ideal but out of all of these the only things that are on while I’m listening to music, beyond my amp and streamer, are the Max Mini and the network switch which supplies network connections to my tv and game consoles.

Hoping installing the dedicated line installation somehow doesn’t require drywall ripping and replacement?

 

 

 

 

 

 

nyev

Showing 1 response by carlsbad

carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

I did it myself.  I was able to use a circuit that was installed in my laundry room years ago for an electric dryer (I installed that too).  Yes, it will be expensive if you hire it done.  

Looking at other options, at least you can try to find a circuit with nothing else on it.  Make sure it is not a GCFI protected circuit as that will probably include all the bathrooms and garage (that was the outlet behind my stereo when I investigated).  

If you are lucky, some areas install 12 ga wire for 15 amp circuit (not here in CA).  You can upgrade your outlets to elimitate that poor connection.

And some amps are more tolerant to low current reserves than others.  I don't know how to pick them but I know some are.  15 amps and a 14 gauge wire is more than enough for any amp ON THE AVERAGE.  The reason you need large wires is to have current readily available for changes/transients especially bass.   Some amps have power supplies that better accommodate this.  It isn't always amp size.  I have a 10 wpc amp that is very sensitive to power cord size in it's ability to provide good bass.

Jerry

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