I’m in the process of making some big system changes, and am requesting some technical advice from the group.
I’m switching to active speakers (with built-in amps) so I will be eliminating my Naim amp and preamp (after 30+ years with Naim!). I will happily still have my CDX2/555PS and Superline/SCDR.
My question involves AC power. I’ll now need two AC outlets for the speakers (one for each speaker/amp channel) to power the two speakers’ internal amps. Given the location of these powered speakers in relation to the wall plugs, I’d either have to use an 8 foot extension cord (connected to the speaker’s AC power cord) to connect the farther speaker to the system’s dedicated 20amp AC outlet. This way, both speakers/amp channels would be plugged into the dedicated 20amp system outlets–also used for the source components.
The alternative is to plug just the closest speaker into the dedicated outlet and then plug the other speaker into a separate non-dedicated 15amp outlet that’s closer to that speaker; I’d then not need an extension cord, but that one speaker would now be plugged into a normal 15 amp outlet that’s shared with room lights and a PC.
While that alternative would reduce the draw on the dedicated 20-amp line, since now only one speaker/amp is plugged in to that outlet, the other speaker (amp) would now be connected to an outlet that’s share with non-system stuff.
Is there a sound electrical reason to choose one method over the other?
Thanks!
You’ll hear all kinds of theories, but practically speaking it is very unlikely that it will make any difference. What I would do is to build a longer cable and connect both speakers to the 20A outlet while avoiding the use of an extension cord.
Thank you. I haven’t heard any theories yet, but would like to. 
That’s a possibility but not sure if a long AC cord is much better than a heavy duty extension.
Still thinking about this.
Given the cost of high end power cables and the distance, I’d make my own. Some manufacturers of mains leads like Furutech sell mains cables off the drum to the length you want and the AC connectors in both straight and 90 degree form factors. It saves a huge amount of money.
What I do for my active subwoofers though is I have a mains socket behind each and I just bought high quality 90 degree mains and IEC plugs from Furutech. Not ultra fancy ones either but simply copper or gold to match the sockets (I forget which). The mains flex I just bought at the hardware store off the drum at about $1.50/m for 2mm sqr. In other words, great plugs, heavy gage but bog standard cable. The hifi is on a dedicated circuit, but the mains for the active subs isn’t.
Just buy a good mains block and connect everything there
My system is wired with Furutech FP-314Ag, which I trim to the length I need and attach terminals, saves me a lot of money and simplifies cable dressing considerately.
Thanks guys. I’m going to look into the longer wire option. It won’t be necessary if I connect one speaker/amp to the closer outlet but that’s on a non-dedicated line to which room lights and other electronics are connected. So the key issue is still if, from an AC supply viewpoint, it’s better to keep all the system’s components connected to the dedicated 20amp (US) circuit or if it’s OK to connect one channel (the right channel speaker) to a normal non-dedicated outlet that’s not on the dedicated audio line. Would there be noise or grounding problems by using an outlet on a different line for one amp/speaker channel ?
Thanks for the suggestions so far.
Mike
Try opposite sockets 1st,
Then try extension lead,
See if you can hear any difference,
G’day Rosami,
There has been some good information posted here. For me all you are doing is supplying power. I would ensure the amplified speakers come from the same star earth point power board as the NAIM equipment to prevent earth loops.
I would be more concerned with the equal length of the interlinks coming from the pre-amplifier if I was being pedantic.
Caveat: I have never used amplified speakers.
Happy listening.
Mitch in Oz.
I’ll be using balanced cables from the preamp to the speakers—equal length.
I’m finding the power cord issue harder to deal with since I’ve never had active speakers so haven’t had to deal with considering really long AC cords. I think I’ll initially connect to closest outlets and listen for any buzz or ground loops. If none, then I’m probably OK. If any noise or audible imbalance, I’ll have to look into long power cords.
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