I own a P20 I use to power a pair of PSA BHK 300’s. I was curious if Im better off with a pair of P10’s to power the amps? Anyone have direct experience? Paul? Thoughts?
No. The 20 is better.
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Oh, by all means, a single P20 would be the answer. The P20 is a much better sounding regenerator because of its lower impedance.
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Thank you
And following your doubt, then I ask: to feed a PS Audio system (M1200s, BHK Preamp, DAC Sr, PST and SPP with a TT) is better 2 P12 (I already have) or a single P15 (no room for P20 unfortunately)?
And if there is a difference, why?
Thank you @Paul …
I use one P20 for my system but it is or isn’t enough depending on how I use my system. With two M40 HV mono amps that are 550 watts each into eight-ohm, it isn’t enough for full output if I use it like that.
But, when look at the duty cycle of use, I’m seldom past 50% VA delivery at as much as I feed the Enterprise, and Scotty isn’t being asked for more by the amps and all the rest of the system at an 85 dB nominal SPL. If I was pushing near 80% or more of the P20 VA capacity, I’d consider another separate 20A outlet be installed and get another P20. Same system, but two different use patterns.
I did have a P10, but I was taxing it too much on average with the new amps if I use class A mode, so I upped to the P20 and re looked at the VA delivery and I’m OK with 50%-60% nominal total P20 VA delivery. But, that maxes out the P10 (below).
P10 - 1200VA CONTINUOUS
P15 - 1200VA CONTINUOUS
P20 - 2000VA CONTINUOUS
20A line = 20A * 120V = 2400VA @ 100% efficiency.
15A line = 15A * 120V = 1800VA @ 100% efficiency.
You need a 20A line to reach full output from ONE P20. A 15A line can be used with ONE P10 or P15, not two on the same circuit for full output. A 20A line can JUST do two P10 or P15 but not quite, A P10 or P15 isn’t 100% efficient and you need that overhead to reach full capability.
Not knowing your usage can make this a hard question to answer but I’d go with the actual usuage data and if you are around 50-60% or so of max VA, keep the one unit. If you exceed that, get two but…you need to use a separate leg to feed each one or you’ll really be no better off than before as the line VA maximum is a bottleneck. A regenerator can’t create double the power from the same line feeding a second unit. A 20A line can’t feed more than 20A*120V = 2400VA at 100% efficiency.
So it isn’t jusy one or two, it is also TWO separate circuits to feed each one if you do tax a single unit past a 75% VA average.
Best,
Galen
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Good advice.