Benefits of a *Single* Dedicated AC Line? - Jim Hodgson

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Benefits of a *Single* Dedicated AC Line?

Posted by Jim Hodgson (A) on March 15, 2006 at 17:15:44

I posted the following in the "Cables" forum, but I haven't received much in the way of really useful responses. Perhaps it belonged here all along. In any case, apologies for cross-posting:

Question for those in the know regarding dedicated AC lines. When my wife and I moved into a new home last year, I discovered that there was already a single 20-amp dedicated AC line installed, which the former owner used only for his computer.

Well, I appropriated it for my listening room, never bothering to add additional dedicated lines (although I suppose conventional wisdom says the more individual lines, the better). The breaker box was (actually, still is) a rat's nest, and I just never took on the reorganization project. But, I just read an interesting bit of information in the FAQ area of the BAT website. Quoting:

"Should I use separate dedicated power lines to power amplifiers and my source components?

Contrary to popular belief, the answer is most often NO! Every system is different and it is hard to come up with a general rule. However, in order to minimize the chance of ground loop noise and signal degradation, it is advisable to assure that no large voltage differences exist between the chassis of different components in the system. These voltage differences will be more pronounced in a system incorporating several separate power lines. The voltage differences will be higher in the case of longer power lines and stronger current demand by heavy components (i.e. power amplifiers). Usually the safest approach is to run one strong (probably 20A) power line to your listening room and plug all your audio components into it. This approach creates a STAR power distribution system that should be less prone to ground loop problems."

Anyone strongly agree or disagree? What gives? I understand the explanation--as far as it goes--but, is it TRUE? Have I been feeling under-endowed in the dedicated AC line arena for no good reason? Have I been doing the right thing (albeit for the wrong reasons) by keeping everything on the same 20-amp line? (Although I'm new around these parts, my system is now more-or-less well-described in my member profile to the extent that knowing what I'm running would help in addressing this issue in my particular case.) Thanks ever so much....

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Topic - Benefits of a *Single* Dedicated AC Line? - Jim Hodgson 17:15:44 03/15/06 (27)

I disagree with only one line. In my system I have - Terry P 16:11:48 03/17/06 (2)

Agree with you. I've had similar experience. - Al Sekela 16:51:17 03/18/06 (1)

Thanks for clarifying that key difference! - Terry P 14:13:08 03/19/06 (0)

Re: Benefits of a *Single* Dedicated AC Line? - gstew 20:23:02 03/16/06 (0)

Re: Benefits of a *Single* Dedicated AC Line? - PhilNYC 14:27:01 03/16/06 (10)

Re: Benefits of a *Single* Dedicated AC Line? - jea48 09:57:11 03/19/06 (0)

What does a "ground loop" sound like? Hum? -nt - Terry P 16:15:03 03/17/06 (6)

Re: What does a "ground loop" sound like? Hum? -nt - pkell44 18:00:30 03/18/06 (5)

Thanks! I've wanted to verify that I don't have one, and - Terry P 14:07:48 03/19/06 (4)

That would be DC on your AC... - Al Sekela 11:19:17 03/20/06 (2)

Al - you da man ! Thanks! - Terry P 12:07:32 03/20/06 (1)

Yup. Sometimes several houses are fed from the same - Al Sekela 15:00:08 03/21/06 (0)

Re: Thanks! I've wanted to verify that I don't have one, and - pkell44 10:21:13 03/20/06 (0)

This is telling you something valuable. - Al Sekela 12:28:34 03/17/06 (0)

Re: Benefits of a *Single* Dedicated AC Line? - Jim Hodgson 15:09:39 03/16/06 (0)

If your power supplies are benign, then a single AC line is preferred. - Al Sekela 11:26:55 03/16/06 (3)

Re: If your power supplies are benign, then a single AC line is preferred. - Jim Hodgson 12:34:13 03/16/06 (2)

Yes, chokes would be followed by electrolytics. - Al Sekela 12:24:52 03/17/06 (1)

Re: Yes, chokes would be followed by electrolytics. - Jim Hodgson 13:47:23 03/17/06 (0)

A compromise - Mike B. 11:26:33 03/16/06 (0)

Strongly agree. How do you like the Abby's? - Russ57 06:53:45 03/16/06 (2)

Re: Strongly agree. How do you like the Abby's? - Jim Hodgson 12:08:59 03/16/06 (1)

You have been a big help - Russ57 16:19:03 03/16/06 (0)

Re: Benefits of a *Single* Dedicated AC Line? - Mark W. 23:34:30 03/15/06 (0)

I agree with that premise Jim, one is better. - Quiet Earth 20:49:41 03/15/06 (0)

Re: Benefits of a *Single* Dedicated AC Line? - JoeKool 18:19:41 03/15/06 (1)

Re: Benefits of a *Single* Dedicated AC Line? - Glen B 12:15:50 03/16/06 (0)

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