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 6 responses by hbrandt

Rushton:

Did you use an audiophile wire (JPS, Virtual Dynamics) or did you use regular 10g Romex??

harry
Lak:

I'm interested in your recommendation that all outputs should be in phase. Jonathan Scull has recommended that consideration be given to wiring monoblocks in opposite phase with the goal of cancelling noise. Take a look at this:

http://www.stereophile.com/finetunes/200/index1.html

I'm probably going to try it both ways.
PeterD:

I'm surprised (and now concerned) to hear of your experience with VD wire. So far, most of the people i've talked to have had very positive experiences with it. Steve Huntley of GNSC told me that several of his customers have raved about it very high-end setups.

Unfortunately, it will be VERY difficult for me to do A/B comparisons of the various wires, so I'm listening to comments like yours very carefully.

Maybe some others will weigh in on this. In particular, I'd be interested to hear if anybody has done comparisions between JPS Labs in-wall wire and VD wire.

Harry
Rushton:

Thanks. It's about a 30 foot run from the basement to my system. I'll ask my electrician what he thinks about running 6 separate lines as opposed to using a subpanel.

Harry
After lots of consultation decided not to use audiophile in-wall wire. Will either choose solid copper romex or Belkin wire. I put the cash into all Wattgate 381 outlets and Running Springs Audio conditioners.

Harry
Subaruguru:

Yeah...you and just about everybody else has differing opinions about these issues. But I certainly appreciate your input....and haven't made final decisions yet.