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Looking for dedicated power line advice.

I've read just about everything I can find on running dedicated power lines. I met with a good electrician and he is going to run a dedicated line from the main panel to a 6 breaker subpanel with 6 20amp lines to my system. I have lots of questions. Here are a few:
(1) Should all 6 outputs be in the same phase? I've read conflicting opinions. In one of Jonathan Scull's Stereophile "Fine Tunes" columns he suggests that the AC output to a pair of monoblocks should be out of phase. This way noise will cancel out.

(2) Is it worth it to use Wattgate outlets ($150/ea) and will there be audible differences from Hubbel or Marinco or Leviton which would be MUCH cheaper?

(3) Is it worth it to use JPS Labs in-wall cable at $18/ft? Would Virtual Dynamics cable at $6/ft sound as good?? What about much cheaper Romex??

I figure I'm only going to do this once......but I hate dropping a ton of cash unless there is going to be an audible difference.

Thanks for the help!!!
128x128hbrandt

Showing 1 response by gs5556

gs5556
1,240 posts
 
If you have a six-breaker panel with six 20-A breakers installed then you have no choice as to the phasing; the panel is full and you cannot - at least never attempt to - reconfigure the panel.

Word of caution: overloading one phase of a 120/240 leg can cause problems. The whole idea of having two balanced phases is to prevent neutral currents. Things like computers and fluorescent lights generate current themselves on the nuetral; having the phases out of balance magnifies the problem, not the least being a fire haxard.

I'm not saying you cannot have your audio gear on one phase or both phases - but whatever you choose just make sure both main feeders coming into the panel draw an equal amount of current (within 10%) with your audio gear on and with the other appliances operating normally.
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