Add an IEC socket..any negative effects?

Do the iec.Don't do the direct wire.#1,a neater job is possible,#2 you wouldn't be able to change power cords.That means if you hard wired one that wasn't to your liking;you're back to square 1.Once there is an iec;the choices are all yours/as in MANY.

I'd be careful about adding a three-prong connection where the manufacturer used a two-prong. As a matter of fact, when the power cords of my Meitner MTR-101 monoblocks were damaged in transit (still don't know how), the manufacturer recommended using two-prong for a quieter background -- and it worked. It may be worth speaking to the manufacturer of your preamp or at least a knowledgeable technician who has worked on your model. Hope this helps.

Tatelman is on the right track, but I'm getting ready to do the same thing, and here's some good advice I got: whether you do the IEC or direct-wire, use a SHIELDED 3-prong power cord, but don't attach the ground-wire (green wire) to anything within the device OR to the IEC plug. These shielded cables usually have the shield connected on the 3rd (grounding) prong of the plug, and will do the trick for shielding the power lines, which definitely improves the audio. Good luck!

I forgot to mention this was advice for when your device originally only had 2 prongs for power. Of course, for 2 or 3 prong devices, you can experiment with attaching or not attaching the ground wire with the device, and see what differences there are. By the way, could I get some direction as to how to install an IEC port onto a chassis? I understand wiring, but the hardware end of things...I could use some help. Thanks! (email jtlusty@crosslink.net)