Suggestions for new house dedicated power set-up

[Mr. Miyagi]

I just finished connecting my main box to a new sub panel with 2/0 gauge. Using 8 gauge up from sub to main room. Synergistic research purple outlets.

The result is crazy. It is Iike a new system. 2-3x the enjoyment. Everything is sophisticated, clean, clear, more soulful, detailed, black and just really special.

To not do this is crazy - single best cost / reward effort you can make.

Cannot recommend more highly.

 

[mauidj]

I am convinced! Just need to find out what the code here allows for. WOW…2/0 gauge ! Is there a big potential difference between that and 2 AWG? Also is 2.0 hard to run…it is so thick!

 

[Mr. Miyagi]

I am convinced! Just need to find out what the code here allows for. WOW…2/0 gauge ! Is there a big potential difference between that and 2 AWG? Also is 2.0 hard to run…it is so thick!

No - I had 150 feet. I had no choice - Vince Galbo strongly recommends 2 gauge. It’s a really crazy impact

 

[mauidj]

Sorry to repeat myself….so 2.0 makes a difference over 2AWG? And did it require specific panels to accept that thickness?

 

[MarkusBarkus]

#2 AWG *or* 2/0 (Two-aught, commonly). 2/0 is larger, rated for more amperage. Either would be big...and beautiful for audio.

 

[mauidj]

Do you use three separate wires or a two conductor plus ground Romex style ? If so…is the ground the same gauge and do you twist them?

 

[John T]

Wow! 150' 2awg! That had to be a mother! Just yesterday I ran a dedicated10awg circuit solely for my network, (crawl space) approx. 40' into a very full 200 amp panel. So tight! It took a little while to get the ground into the bus bar. Lots of manipulation. And sweat!!

I used a the phase opposite the Torus Isolation Transformer. I really like the network on its own circuit...

 

[Mr. Miyagi]

I am convinced! Just need to find out what the code here allows for. WOW…2/0 gauge ! Is there a big potential difference between that and 2 AWG? Also is 2.0 hard to run…it is so thick!

Sorry - I actually ran 2/3. If I ran 2/0 I would need separate service and meter from electric company and a panel with 35 empty slots as my sub panel wouldn’t accommodate that wire. Cant tell the difference as I never tried 2/0 but the 2/3 gauge was a monster to pull thru the ceiling. If you private message me I will send you a pic of the wire - I had to make a choice use 2/3 or have the electrician quit on me!! I had to open the ceiling twice to pull it thru.

 

[MarkusBarkus]

...2/0 is a big pull. I haven't done it for a million years. And that time involved a "pony motor" and a thick rope for a "fish" and a lot of Ideal yellow soap! Sorry you had to open the ceiling. That sucks, but sometimes...

 

[John T]

...2/0 is a big pull. I haven't done it for a million years. And that time involved a "pony motor" and a thick rope for a "fish" and a lot of Ideal yellow soap! Sorry you had to open the ceiling. That sucks, but sometimes...

That's like pulling a well pump out by hand! Actually the well pump is probably easier. Yeah yellow soap and a 5 gallon bucket of vaseline!

 

[Mr. Miyagi]

I can’t imagine 2/0 is a 20% improvement to 2/3 but never know. Also I understand that the wall outlets need to break in so that should interesting. I have a power conditioner coming and I hope that will further advance the cause. One can see how chasing equipment before the room and power is right can be quite expensive

 

[John T]

Full House!!

 

[John T]

I can’t imagine 2/0 is a 20% improvement to 2/3 but never know. Also I understand that the wall outlets need to break in so that should interesting. I have a power conditioner coming and I hope that will further advance the cause. One can see how chasing equipment before the room and power is right can be quite expensive

You are correct. Try to ensure your AC, cabling, receptacles, everything affiliated with your power is as good as you can make it. Like starting with a blank canvas...

 

[mauidj]

Sorry - I actually ran 2/3. If I ran 2/0 I would need separate service and meter from electric company and a panel with 35 empty slots as my sub panel wouldn’t accommodate that wire. Cant tell the difference as I never tried 2/0 but the 2/3 gauge was a monster to pull thru the ceiling. If you private message me I will send you a pic of the wire - I had to make a choice use 2/3 or have the electrician quit on me!! I had to open the ceiling twice to pull it thru.

PM sent….many thanks!

 

[vert]

SE2. I’ve tried the Shunyata cable cradle but it really doesn’t compare. It’s a fixed cradle while the C-Lock screws tight onto the cable plug.

Does the C lock plate change/improve the sound?

I have a Furutech carbon fiber outlet cover (non NCF) and it reduces smearing.

 

[mxk116]

Does the C lock plate change/improve the sound?

I have a Furutech carbon fiber outlet cover (non NCF) and it reduces smearing.

I don't know if the sound is impacted by the C-Lock plate. I use the C-Lock solely for its ability to prevent bulky power cables sagging at the receptacle, providing a stable connection to the power source. For me, a sagging power cord (partially inserted in the wall outlet, with the potential to disconnect from the wall outlet if disturbed inadvertently) is a greater threat to sound and performance of system.

 

[John T]

I don't know if the sound is impacted by the C-Lock plate. I use the C-Lock solely for its ability to prevent bulky power cables sagging at the receptacle, providing a stable connection to the power source. For me, a sagging power cord (partially inserted in the wall outlet, with the potential to disconnect from the wall outlet if disturbed inadvertently) is a greater threat to sound and performance of system.

Agreed! I use all Furutech NCF and got so fed up with sagging that I built an outlet box with all Furutech receptacles. The Box is mounted to the floor (5 receptacles) so all my AC connections are vertical. No more sagging!

 

[Kingrex]

#2 wire is a lot of wire. No stereo needs more. I like #4/3 as the ground inside is a solid #8. #2/3 will have a stranded #6 or stranded #4 depending on if its SER or NM-B.

I have run #4/3 with a solid #8 ground, then zip tied a stranded #6 to the cable to compare the grounds. The #6 ground was bass heavy and the owner told me to change it back to the solid #8.

I find #8 to a duplex to be very fast. I find #10 solid to have more weight. I would put #8 to subs all day for speed. I would put #10 to everything else.

 

[QuadDiffuser]

So you use single core cable...Ok now I understand. Thought you were using multi core Romex. Many thanks.

Mauidj: all of the heavy gauge in-wall power cables I'll be using will be MULTI-stranded, not single-core.

 

[mauidj]

OK......so I think I have a plan.

Going from the main panel (Eaton CH) to the Eaton CH sub panel using 2.0 wire. The sub is just 4 feet away.
4 separate 20A breakers then 8 gauge to the 4 wall receptacles.
As I'm using 8 gauge I will spring for the Furutech GTX-D NCF receptacles which take that heavy wire.
I am undecided between the Gold and Rhodium right now. I read how they are quite different sounding.
Damn they are not cheap!
Then I need to decide if I'm going to spring for the Furutech GTX wall frames and NCF outlet covers.
I have read so many differing opinions of these. Most very good, but some say they affect the sound in a negative way.
Might just use the receptacles for a while then try one or two of the other items.
Any thoughts would be most appreciated.