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Got big amp-help with 20A line and receptacle

So, I just purchased a Krell FPB 400cx, which I'm told requires a dedicated 20 amp line. Yes, I have read some Agon threads on running dedicated lines, as well as 20 amp receptacles. But they are mostly several years old and I am interested in some current basic recommendations.

I am not looking for the most expensive or esoteric setup, but do want to do it as best I can. The receptacle location is in the family room, which I estimate will require about 50-60 feet of cable from the breaker box in the garage.

So, at first all I knew was that I would be running a new line from the breaker box and that it would be grounded there. But some posters here and elsewhere stated that I should have an isolated ground installed outside the house and at least 6 feet from the existing ground. There were also suggestions around exactly which location IN the breaker box to place the new line and breaker.

We do have three refrigerators here, one in the kitchen, one in the utility room, and another in the garage. Of course, we we have all the other typical appliances in the house. One good thing is that, in my current setup with no dedicated lines, I don't hear any noise through the speakers unless I use the dimmer in the family room. So, maybe the power in the house is pretty decent.

With regard to receptacles, I've read various comments about the different brands, as well as the various effects of gold, rhodium, or other plating. To start with, I would like to try the most neutral sound I can get.

I did speak with two electricians today, and neither seemed to have much familiarity with the considerations for audio quality that I mentioned to them. Therefore, I would like some input on what to ask of them. If I am making this too complicated and harder than it needs to be, I'd like to know that as well. I would really appreciate any tips and input!
mtrot
soix
8,990 posts
 
With some help from fellow 'goners I had a couple dedicated lines installed a few years ago. Here are some of the important tips I got and follwed:

- if running multiple lines, run the lines on the same leg to avoid ground loops.
- Do not have lines share a neutral bus. Run each line back to the box independently.
- 12/2 Romex should be fine for most applications, and 10/2 is apparently much stiffer and harder to work with, but I guess if you need it you need it.
- Make sure the cable you use meets UL standards and code in your area.
- Run more lines than you think you need, but at least one for analog and one for digital.

This info was super helpful since my non-audiophile electrician had no clue as do I imagine most electricians. I'd also try to find some way to get that dimmer out of the circuit as they seem to be a universal no no for audio as you seem to have already discovered. Not sure what alternatives are out there but maybe someone here has some recommendations.

As for outlets, I used Porter Ports and they seem fine, but I'd be interested in trying the Audio Maestro and Furutech GTX-D outlets as well. Here's a review that may be helpful if you haven't seen it...

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0114/audiophile_ac_outlets.htm

Hope this helps and best of luck.
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bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,543 posts
 
Contact any of the makers of "audiophile" grade outlets (PS Audio, Shunyata, etc.).
oranfoster's avatar
oranfoster
127 posts
 
What I did in a similar situation was to run 8 AWG wire DIRECT from the breaker to a Wattgate IEC plug and into the amp. I seem to be blessed with good quiet power here; I know what to turn off when I sit down to really listen to music and haven't sensed the need for power remediation. (We will be adding a whole-house surge protector soon, I realize that my amp is at a bit of a risk right now.) This may eliminate a few expensive pieces of the puzzle, like a receptacle and fancy power cord. A separate earth ground is fine but may or may not be necessary, in my opinion.

Regards,
Oran
chahed's avatar
chahed
86 posts
 
Hello...why won't you try Hubbell hbl5362 w for (white)
I did replace my main AC wall outlet "Oyaide R1"by réceptacle Hubbell HBL 5362 w And i never got Back.
Once burnt in ...!!!..beleive me i replaced all my power cell P.S audio réceptacles by Hubbell HBL 5362w And i realy discovred the meanings of
Réceptacle ..clarity..Music...And it has nothing to do with what i have heard before...i am now listening to analogique Sound "seat & relax" i never got Back .
Cost less than 30$.... (I have no link what so ever with Hubbell ...i am just a happy audiogoner audiophile Customer...hope that help you.chahed
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