I've wondered the same thing too. And I've concluded that a cheater plug doesn't affect a good after market power cord because the power cord comes after the cheater plug. I've had to use a cheater plug to keep my McCormack DNA-2DX amp from humming, and I also use a Syn. Res. Master Coupler. I suppose I'd feel better with an audiophile certified cheater plug though. They could be a whole new class of tweaks. Cheers. Craig.