Purchasing First McIntosh Amp - MC402! Power Requirements

[multiham]

Taking the big step into my first McIntosh product! Purchasing a used MC 402 to power by B&W 804DI's. Have a beginners question. If my longer term plans are to have:

MC 402 - Will have shortly
MC 303 - Saving for
Pioneer Elite Plasma - Have now
Classe SSP-800 - Will have shortly
Paradigm Sub-15 - Have now

Can I run these off my existing electrical or do I need to have a dedicated line run? Know the dedicated line would definitely help, but trying to figure out if it is necessary for the system to function or if its a improvement I can save for.

Thanks!

Steve

[-E-]

Do you already have a dedicated circuit? If not, I would put it as a high priority for best sound possibilities.

The max power drain from the MC402 is 10A according to the McWebSite.

[j3brow]

Congratulations on the MC402 purchase!! It is a mighty fine amplifier that will serve you well for many years to come (unless you hang out here too often, in which case you will dump it for a pair of 501s in about 3 months )

It is not NECESSARY only highly RECOMMENDED to have dedicated circuits supplying the current to your system. if possible, plug your components into different circuits. if your nearby outlets are on the same circuit (highly likely), no big deal but you will have a degree of "crosstalk" with your digital (not mention other household components) "polluting" the shared power line.

It is unlikely your system would draw more than 15 amps although i havent done the math for your system - personally, i rarely push my MC402 very hard, as 40-100 watts is plenty in my system. YMMV.

Certainly continue to save up for dedicated lines to be installed. I am a firm believer in clean power. Dedicated lines, PS Audio's Power Plant Premier and Soloist SE outlets have all helped achieve the sound I and so many others here enjoy. Good luck to you and welcome aboard!!!

[f1 fan]

Dedicated AC is recommended for the 402 to get the best performance as well as the rest of your system. I have a 402 and the dedicated ac circuits made a world of difference not only for the big beast but the whole system as well. After doing this look into room treatments combined with dedicated ac will take your system to a new level.

BTW, Welcome To AA

Dave

[jdandy]

multiham.......Welcome to Audio Aficionado.

My recommendation is two dedicated circuits for your system. It doesn't cost that much more to run two circuits versus one, since both circuits will go in at the same time. Install 20 amps circuits. Your gear list, what you presnetly own, and what you plan to add will require two circuits. Do it once, do it right.

[multiham]

Thanks everyone for the information. I am going to price out having 2 dedicated circuits put in.

Steve

[jdandy]

multiham.......That is definately the way to go. Another suggestion that provides a performance boost, and surge protection, is to install a PS Audio Soloist Premier power outlet on each of those new dedicated circuits instead of the typical receptacle.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by jdandy

multiham.......Welcome to Audio Aficionado.

My recommendation is two dedicated circuits for your system. It doesn't cost that much more to run two circuits versus one, since both circuits will go in at the same time. Install 20 amps circuits. Your gear list, what you presnetly own, and what you plan to add will require two circuits. Do it once, do it right.

Dan
Since you and a few others are far more knowledgeable regarding electricity than me, maybe you can fill me in on something that recently came up.

Is there are risk by putting our gear on 20amp circuits if they do not require it, rather than a 15 amp? Here is why I am asking. I am considering updating my furnace and AC in our house. While talking to the "expert" who came out he wanted to see my control panel to make sure a 15 amp circuit was available. I asked why not a 20amp and he stated that by "code" they could no longer put furnace motors on 20 amps since they wanted the circuit to trip before a motor got too hot. (something along those lines). I understood the gist of what he was saying, but then I started thinking about my gear.
Jim

[f1 fan]

Steve...keep us updated on the progress.

Dave

[tdelahanty]

Go with the 20a circuit, it will have larger wire, 20a recepticals are heavier duty and transfer current better. Your amp will protect itself in the event of a failure, its fuse or circuit breaker will be the limiting factor.

You furnace blower probably doesn't have its own built in fuse so it relies on the 15a breaker in the panel if there is a failure.