Equi=Tech Wall Cabinet System; whole system power solution.

[mep]

Mike,

I must say , Im very impressed with your style and tenacity , you are one serious cat when you get going, nothing like a 300lb electrical panel for a lower noise floor when topping off the best of the best ..

Respect ...

PS: I showed my wife and explained to her about lowering the noise floor etc, her suggestion ..? why not have her take the kids out to lower the noise floor ...

Women ......

She has a point-it would lower the noise floor.

 

[ths61]

Which leads to funny questions from electricians, like "why are you putting a dryer back here sir?"

That is a lot easier to answer than the question, "Why are you putting an electric double oven in here?" if you were wiring for a 7.5kVA or 10kVA version. The 5kVA was the largest that I could lug around by myself. I want to make sure I am not undersized for my application.

I have liked their products for a long time especially after researching them and discovering that their technology was instrumental in changing the National Electric Code for Technical Power. Haven't seen too many other products having such an impact on National Electric codes.

 

[Sonus]

i've finally pulled the trigger on something i planned on doing when i first built my room back in 2004; i've ordered an Equi=tech 10WQ Wall Cabinet System and it could arrive as soon as the end of next week. it will have 3 of 10 circuits with the EMI/RFI filter option and the OFC (oxygen free copper) option.

it will replace my existing wall panel which is a high quality generic panel. my room is wired with #10 gauge Romex with Oyaide R-1 outlets and WPC-Z covers. there is a 'home run' (a 70amp, 3-phase run) from near my electrical meter in my house to my panel in my barn (the barn is 75 feet from the house) and a double-ground rod already installed. the 10WQ should be the final piece to that chain.

this should lower my already very low noise floor and significantly improve microdynamics. it will also significantly tighten the bass.

it should bring that 'late night magic' 24 hours a day.

in my room development path this is pretty close to the final touch. i'm excited to have made this move.

recently i had been in Bruce Brown's studio a couple of times. Bruce has the 7.5kv version of this same panel and he now has the same speakers in his studio that i have. i can 'hear' what this panel brings to the table in performance and it's not subtle.

Hi,

Congrats....

I have a question:
I use the Q in my system, what would be the difference between using a Q for the system (or few of them) VS the wall cabinet monstrosity?

 

[Speedskater]

[*********]
I have liked their products for a long time especially after researching them and discovering that their technology was instrumental in changing the National Electric Code for Technical Power. Haven't seen too many other products having such an impact on National Electric codes.

Would that be?

Article 647 Sensitive Electronic Equipment

647.3(1) The system is installed only in commercial or industrial occupancies.
647.3(2) The systems use is restricted to areas under close supervision of qualified personal.

 

[ths61]

Would that be?

Article 647 Sensitive Electronic Equipment

647.3(1) The system is installed only in commercial or industrial occupancies.
647.3(2) The systems use is restricted to areas under close supervision of qualified personal.

Here are 2 of the articles which include your 2 bullet points:

http://www.equitech.com/support/530g.html
http://www.equitech.com/support/647.html

 

[Mike Lavigne]

Mike,

I must say , Im very impressed with your style and tenacity , you are one serious cat when you get going, nothing like a 300lb electrical panel for a lower noise floor when topping off the best of the best ..

Respect ...

actually it's about 380 pounds. took 4 commercial electricians and a floor jack to lift it and secure it into place.

i am trying my best to eliminate compromises.

PS: I showed my wife and explained to her about lowering the noise floor etc, her suggestion ..? why not have her take the kids out to lower the noise floor ...

Women ......

 

[Mike Lavigne]

Hi,

Congrats....

I have a question:
I use the Q in my system, what would be the difference between using a Q for the system (or few of them) VS the wall cabinet monstrosity?

thanks.

to be clear; all Equi-tech Wall Panel systems have a 'Q' transformer in them. Although the Wall Panel Systems are only available with over 5kw 'Q' transformers.

So depending on which 'Q' transformer you have, it's likely the biggest difference between it and a Wall Panel System is power output. i agree with other posters who feel that small box 'shelf' power conditioners typically limit dynamics. although they can improve things they cannot deliver the power as effectively as a large transformer can. headroom with power delivery is very important.

the other difference is that the Wall Panel system is designed to be a one-piece solution and includes the NEMA 12 steel cabinet and is UL approved. this cabinet is built literally like a tank, and even includes 2 exhaust fans. it makes all other power conditioners look like toys.

with a Wall Panel System you are effectively done with your power grid once you have your runs to the outlets. select power cords and then forget about your power and enjoy. all those power conditioning boxes and stuff. sell them.

it does require a commercial electrician with an appropriately open mind and some related experience for proper installation in a residence. the Wall Panel System is really considered a commercial product. most large metropolitian area should have those type folks around. if you need help to find one of these guys check with Equi=tech.

 

[Sonus]

thanks.

to be clear; all Equi-tech Wall Panel systems have a 'Q' transformer in them. Although the Wall Panel Systems are only available with over 5kw 'Q' transformers.

So depending on which 'Q' transformer you have, it's likely the biggest difference between it and a Wall Panel System is power output. i agree with other posters who feel that small box 'shelf' power conditioners typically limit dynamics. although they can improve things they cannot deliver the power as effectively as a large transformer can. headroom with power delivery is very important.

the other difference is that the Wall Panel system is designed to be a one-piece solution and includes the NEMA 12 steel cabinet and is UL approved. this cabinet is built literally like a tank, and even includes 2 exhaust fans. it makes all other power conditioners look like toys.

with a Wall Panel System you are effectively done with your power grid once you have your runs to the outlets. select power cords and then forget about your power and enjoy. all those power conditioning boxes and stuff. sell them.

it does require a commercial electrician with an appropriately open mind and some related experience for proper installation in a residence. the Wall Panel System is really considered a commercial product. most large metropolitian area should have those type folks around. if you need help to find one of these guys check with Equi=tech.

Thanks!

Just to let you know, once you go with the Wall Cabinet you wont be able to use products that can't use Balanced Power i.e laptop charges and some other stuff ... I think they called it switching power supplies

 

[Bruce B]

it does require a commercial electrician with an appropriately open mind and some related experience for proper installation in a residence. the Wall Panel System is really considered a commercial product. most large metropolitian area should have those type folks around. if you need help to find one of these guys check with Equi=tech.

yes, most local codes forbid these systems in a residential dwelling. Please check local codes!

Just to let you know, once you go with the Wall Cabinet you wont be able to use products that can't use Balanced Power i.e laptop charges and some other stuff

including lights!!

 

[Bill Hart]

I bought one, planning to use it in a stand-alone building on the property, once I find the right house. Already spoke to the local city government electrical inspector, who didn't seem to have any issue with it. Obviously, can only be used for the audio gear, with marked outlets, separate power for lighting and other non-system appliances. My real estate trip to Tx last week got got cancelled due to the Hurricane.

 

[Mike Lavigne]

yes, most local codes forbid these systems in a residential dwelling. Please check local codes!

including lights!!

the idea is to have 2 separate circuits and only use the Equi=tech for direct audio/studio uses. i refer to it as clean and dirty power. i have as many dirty power outlets as clean outlets in my room, maybe more. in my barn i have a separate 100 amp panel for all the normal uses; HVAC, lights, hotwater, refer, etc.....and then a separate 70 amp service to my Equi=tech. the code is to make it clear that you don't use an Equi-tech for non-specific uses. once your commercial contractor understands it's limited application there is typically no problem.

 

[Speedskater]

yes, most local codes forbid these systems in a residential dwelling. Please check local codes!

Actually it's more of a case of not meeting the NEC code. Some inspectors might recognize that the listening room more meets the definition of a recording or video studio rather than the definition of a living room, bedroom or bathroom.
Plug-in units come under UL or CSA safety testing rather than NEC code.

 

[ths61]

... i.e laptop charges and some other stuff ... I think they called it switching power supplies

Why would switching power supplies and laptop chargers NOT work on balanced power? There is still a 120 volt differential between the hot and neutral legs ([-60 to +60] volts versus [0 to 120] volts).

Ideally, you want a double pull power switch which breaks both legs (hot and neutral), not just one leg (hot) like most switches. If you only break one of the legs, the other leg is still hot with 60 volts.

FWIW, I have seen both laptop chargers and digital switching amps work fine on balanced power units.

 

[GaryProtein]

i've finally pulled the trigger on something i planned on doing when i first built my room back in 2004; i've ordered an Equi=tech 10WQ Wall Cabinet System and it could arrive as soon as the end of next week. it will have 3 of 10 circuits with the EMI/RFI filter option and the OFC (oxygen free copper) option.

it will replace my existing wall panel which is a high quality generic panel. my room is wired with #10 gauge Romex with Oyaide R-1 outlets and WPC-Z covers. there is a 'home run' (a 70amp, 3-phase run) from near my electrical meter in my house to my panel in my barn (the barn is 75 feet from the house) and a double-ground rod already installed. the 10WQ should be the final piece to that chain. . . . .

After I had a dedicated sub panel installed for my system, a friend of mine in the sound reinforcement business teased me mercilessly because I didn't sink a dedicated ground for the panel. Needless to say, several months later, I did. Just for the record, I did NOT notice a difference after it was put in. I guess my whole house ground was fine by itself.


Will you be posting photos?

 

[Sonus]

Why would switching power supplies and laptop chargers NOT work on balanced power? There is still a 120 volt differential between the hot and neutral legs ([-60 to +60] volts versus [0 to 120] volts).

Ideally, you want a double pull power switch which breaks both legs (hot and neutral), not just one leg (hot) like most switches. If you only break one of the legs, the other leg is still hot with 60 volts.

FWIW, I have seen both laptop chargers and digital switching amps work fine on balanced power units.

When i plug them in i get TIC TIC TIC sound from them, they get very hot and after a few hours fail all together.

 

[ths61]

When i plug them in i get TIC TIC TIC sound from them, they get very hot and after a few hours fail all together.

Interesting. I wonder what is going on.

This has not been my experience. I have tried PICO and DELL switching power supplies with no problem. Have also used monitors, plasma panels, optical players, pre/pros, DACs, STBs, amps (class A, A/B and IcePower), tuners, and preamps with no issues (Note: most have 3-prong plugs).

 

[Sonus]

Interesting. I wonder what is going on.

This has not been my experience. I have tried PICO and DELL switching power supplies with no problem. Have also used monitors, plasma panels, optical players, pre/pros, DACs, STBs, amps (class A, A/B and IcePower), tuners, and preamps with no issues (Note: most have 3-prong plugs).

I also have my whole audio system plugged in and also my LED TV connected and it is working fine. just the MAC laptop charger refuse to work and some other chargers also.

 

[Bill Hart]

After I had a dedicated sub panel installed for my system, a friend of mine in the sound reinforcement business teased me mercilessly because I didn't sink a dedicated ground for the panel. Needless to say, several months later, I did. Just for the record, I did NOT notice a difference after it was put in. I guess my whole house ground was fine by itself.


Will you be posting photos?

Gary, Mike did his a few years ago, I don't remember if he had pics up on the Gon at the time. There was an online article showing his system but it may have been before he did the E=T. There is, however, at least one full blown piece on 6 moons of an E=T wall cabinet install.

 

[Mike Lavigne]

After I had a dedicated sub panel installed for my system, a friend of mine in the sound reinforcement business teased me mercilessly because I didn't sink a dedicated ground for the panel. Needless to say, several months later, I did. Just for the record, I did NOT notice a difference after it was put in. I guess my whole house ground was fine by itself.


Will you be posting photos?

a little audio porn for you. enjoy!

it's mounted on the wall in the hall outside my room. there is a double ground rod sunk in the ground right on the other side of that wall it's on.

 

[Mike Lavigne]

After I had a dedicated sub panel installed for my system, a friend of mine in the sound reinforcement business teased me mercilessly because I didn't sink a dedicated ground for the panel. Needless to say, several months later, I did. Just for the record, I did NOT notice a difference after it was put in. I guess my whole house ground was fine by itself.


Will you be posting photos?

and here is where it all happens.....190 pounds of solid copper 'Q' transformer 'love'. the whole 10WQ Wall Panel System is 380 pounds.