Main vs. sub panel for dedicated lines


I am building a second home on my property. Will have a dedicated audio room. I will be routing 2 or 3 dedicated lines for my audio system. The high current devices for the home will be run off the main panel. I will install a sub panel supplied by the main to accommodate power for 2 bedrooms and a 1/2 bathroom.  

Question, should I run my dedicated lines off the main or the sub panel? I could move some of the high current devices to the sub panel if needed.

Thanks in advance for advice. 
mesch

Showing 7 responses by mesch

Thanks! I am currently away from home and will return by end of the month. I will have my electrician help me install the sub panel. I will use it for my audio system. I will get back to everyone once this has been accomplished. 
Riley, thanks for the link. 

MC, the sub panel is run off the main by a dedicated 240 2-phase line. If I have 3 lines run back to either the sub or main panel each tied to it's own breaker then I have 3 dedicated lines to my system do I not?
I feel that I did not provide enough info in trying to be succinct in my question. 

In my current house I have 3 dedicated lines serving my system. These lines run from the only panel. I used  2 lines for analog and 1 for digital. 

The new home is a remodel of an previously built building which is serviced by it's own meter and electrical panel providing 200amps service. I have added an addition to this building which will house 2 bedroom and  2 bathrooms, one  a full bath and utility room and and one a 1/2 bath. One bedroom will house the audio system. I was going to use the sub panel for this addition to provide more lines. The original main panel could be used for high current items in the utility room.

I have a experienced electrician who I consult with and helps me. Most interior wiring for both homes I did myself. I will consult with him on all aspects of my plan and adjust accordingly. He is not an audio enthusiast. 

My thinking was I would use 2 10ga. dedicated lines for my system, 1 for analog and 1 for digital.  Both on the same leg of the Panel serviced by 20amp breaker for analog and 15amp for digital. 

My question was to solicit from experienced audio enthusiasts suggestions on which panel I should use to provide the dedicated audio lines. My initial thought were to use the sub panel.

I thank all who have provided input and hope to receive additional thoughts.

Thanks, Mike
Lowrider57, I will use 10 ga and 20 amp breakers for each line. Or I will use 12 ga and 15 amp breaker for the digital one. I will use high grade 20amp receptacles for each line.

Jea48 hit on the reason for the sub panel. I need more circuits. And also the fact that I may not need the sub connected to ground rod. I think I have been told that this depends on the distance between panels, if too close there can be problems. The distance between the two panels will be less than 15'. I will ask my electrician regarding need for this and do as he says.

gs5556, No circuit will require a length of Romex longer than 50' so voltage drop should not be a concern.

Mijostyn, yes I thought that it would likely make no difference, however since I need(want) a sub panel  I thought I could isolate high current circuits from those supplying outlets, lights, and the audio system in the addition. 

Thanks all!
@jea48  @lowrider57  I will consult with my electrician on the amperage supply to the sub panel and the need for sub panel ground rod.

Regarding audio quality would I benefit from running my system through a sub panel that only serves low amperage devices, my amplifier likely the highest one, over running it off the main panel to which the sub panel is attached?