Running dedicated circuits; What next?

Thanks for the follow-up comment on your results so far with the Extreme SST.

You will get differing opinions on the number of circuits to run. The answer will depend the power load you need to support in your listening room. Lloyd Walker and I have talked about this at some length in connection with his Velocitors and getting the best audio sound from a system. He's a believer in running everything from a single circuit if the load is OK because this often gives lower background noise in his (extensive) experience. On the flip side, many other audiophiles like to keep their digital equipment on a separate circuit from their analog equipment to minimize the high frequency has digitial can sometime intorduce along the electrical lines.

My recommendation would be to pull two circuits while you're doing this. The cost won't be much greater if the work is done at the same time, and you'll have the extra capacity if you ever need it. Then, try plugging everything into a single circuit, then balancing your gear over the two circuits, and see if you can hear a difference in the noise background. I have 5 dedicated circuits with isolated grounds and 10ga wire pulled to my audio system, but when Lloyd helped me set-up his turntable in my system, he recommended plugging as much into a single circuit as we could. He also recommended using 12ga rather than 10ga for the front end components (that don't draw a lot of current) if I ever changed anything (which I haven't). He has solid reasons for his recommendations, and I've always found it worthwhile to at least try first what he recommends.

No matter what you do, I expect you will hear a noticeable improvement with a new dedicated circuit or circuits to your system.
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Its done, and I must say I am rather impressed with the results. Thanks for the recommendation Rushton. I cant wait to hear after I run the circuits. Speaking of, I was wondering if there is much benefit to running 2 circuits compared to 1. Im thinking of just doing one and saving the hassle of running 2. If I was to run 1, would it benefit me to use say 10ga instead of 12ga.? I would rather not run 2 lengths of conduit over my garage. Im not sure how educated you are on this subject but I would appreciate any help. Thanks

I will definitely be interested to hear your reactions, Audifire. Thanks.

Thhanks again for your help Rushton, I will let you know how it sounds; after all, that is what we are after right?

I use use 92% isopropyl alcohol (which has no additives, the 70% variety runs the risk of having additives) with Q-tip swaps. Strip away some of the cotton from the tip of the swab for tighter spaces. Works very well.

The SST also cleans up quickly and easily with the isopropyl alchohol, too.
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Buy the way, is there any cheap but effective way to clean the contacts before applying SST (such as iso-alcohol)? Thanks

I placed my order this morning.I ordered the Extreme. Im running my circuits this Sunday. Hopefully it will arrive beforehand. I will let you know how it turns out. Thanks Rushton.

I'd order Walker Audio Extreme SST directly from Walker Audio. Otherwise, order from your favorite retailer, for example:
Acoustic Sounds
Music Direct
The Cable Company
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Rushton,Thanks for the help, you have me convinced enough to try it. Im ordering some tomorrow. Where is the best place to do this? Thanks again.

Hi Audiofire5228, I've heard very positive reports from a number of people who have applied SST on their electrical connections from the circuit breakers themselves all the way through to wiring the power outlet. I haven't done it yet myself, but it's on my list to do sometime (is there ever enough time?).

There is no fire hazard to applying SST itself, just keep in mind that it is highly conductive: you want to apply it in a very thin coating (don't smear on a thick layer), and you want to keep it where it belongs (on the contact only) so as not to create a short.

I suggested investing in and using Extreme SST before spending money on power conditions because I've consistently seen great benefits to using it in both video and audio. The results from power conditioning are more variable.
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Hello Rushton, just read the interesting thread posted earlier on SST. I was wondering if this should be applied to my Romex and outlets during installation or am I going to catch something on fire. I was also wondering if I need to shut off power before plugging in PC's.(again back to the fire thing)? Thanks

I would also recommend trying just connecting directly to the mains, without any PC. I have dedicated circuits and PS Audio Pports, and have seen no reason to rush to powerconditioners ... yet.

Im using PS Audio Powerports currently.

Be sure to invest in some good wall outlets (e.g., Porterports or Jena Labs) as part of your dedicated circuit project; then plug directly into the wall outlets. Next, get some Walker Extreme SST contact enhancer to use on all of your connections (power cords, interconnects and speaker cables). Unless you're having some severe line noise problems or some significant line voltage fluctuations, you'll get more sonic benefit making these investments before power conditioning.
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