Material Specifications/Layout for AC line


Calling Sean, Lak and other informed Audiogoners!! I know that there are all kinds of discussions both current and in the archives regarding dedicated audio ac circuits, but I'd really appreciate some definitive suggestions regarding layout and materials. I know a retired union electrician so I know that I'm in good hands installation-wise. I'd really like some direction regarding layout and material specifications for my system, modest as it may be. Blue Circle 21.1 linestage preamp/Cary 308T cd player/Marantz SA 8260 sacd player/Odyssey Audio Stratos Extreme amp and Magnepan 1.6 QR speakers. I've got some good power cords already (VH Audio Flavor 4, Hot Box and Blue Circle BC 61's).

Thanks in advance.

BTW, I've posted the same question over at AA.
beatlebum

Showing 7 responses by beatlebum

First of all,
Thanks to all for the replies received so far. After reviewing these and others in the archives, here's my plan:

Run (3) 20 amp dedicated lines. One for amplifier(s) with 2 additional oultets for possible future mono-blocks (nudge nudge!), one for digital gear and one for preamp/analog gear. I plan on using 10 gauge THHN from Home Depot or 12 gauge Belden cable from Ernie, for each line with Cry'od Porter Ports. I'll run all of these in a 3 channel pvc raceway (Panduit or Pan-way). I was thinking this would look nicer after painting to match walls.

Any further comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
Lak,

I'm undecided on whether to run circuits from the main panel or run a seperate main to a sub panel and then go to my 3 or 4 circuits. The main panel is in a closet about 20' away from my system in a finished basement. My plan is to run an exposed conduit along the baseboard wood trim from the closet to the system.

Thanks so much for the assistance!
Hey thanks to all that responded thus far. Anyone with thoughts on circuit layout and preferred materials (i.e. receptacles, cable, conduit flexible or ridgid, etc.)?

Please keep the info coming.

Lak, I looked up the thread you referred me to. Thanks, but didn't quite offer the direction I'm looking for.

Thanks again
Update (if anyone cares!),

I've run my 3 dedicated lines as follows:
(1) 30 amp circuit breaker/10 gauge stranded THHN/Hubbell 5362IG 20 amp hopsital grade white noise eliminating outlets.

(2) 20 amp circuits with 20 amp circuit breakers/12 gauge stranded THHN/same outlets as above.

All lines housed in an attractive (IMHO) wiremold raceway.

First impressions are noticeably blacker background resulting in greater clarity of the little things in the music (i.e. triangles, bongo drums).

I may still try some of the cry'od Porter Ports.

BTW, I also fabricated some diffusers/absorbers that sit behind my Magnepan 1.6Qr's. These have a light gauge steel tube frame 19" X 65" with 3" convoluted (egg crate) foam on one side only. These have made a tremendous difference in clarifying the sound in my listening area. Less confusion in the top end, deeper soundstage and much more defined bass.

Now as soon as Robert at Ridge Street Audio gets me my cables.......
Hey Sean or Ernie,

One more question if you don't mind. With my three dedicated circuits, I have the preamp (20 amp) circuit and the digital components circuit (20 amp) on one side of my panel and my amp circuit (30amp breaker) on the other side. Is this correct or should I have all three circuits on the same side?