Outlet is "Open Ground" - Is There Still a Safe Way to Connect to My Audio Gear?

@jea48 

The replacement GFCI breaker is a good alternative, if somebody manufacturers a retrofit for what is likely a 60 year old breaker box. Ideally, OP would hire an electrician to install a dedicated 20 amp circuit and verify that the sub and main panels are properly grounded too. 

I figured a replacement GFCI outlet was the simple "fix" he requested, however, his wiring does add another layer of complexity. The grounding issue could easy snowball into a large, expensive project.

Agreed, the best fix is to hire an electrician. 

**406.4(D)(2) Non‑Grounding‑Type Receptacles.**

Where attachment to an equipment grounding conductor does not exist in the receptacle enclosure, the installation shall comply with (D)(2)(a), (b), or (c):

(b) A non‑grounding‑type receptacle(s) shall be permitted to be replaced with a GFCI‑type receptacle(s). These receptacles or their cover plates shall be marked “No Equipment Ground.” An equipment grounding conductor must not be connected from the GFCI‑type receptacle to any outlet supplied downstream.

(c) You may also install a grounding-type (3‑prong) receptacle without a ground, if it is protected by a GFCI (breaker or receptacle). In that case, the receptacle or cover plates must be labeled “GFCI Protected” and **“No Equipment Ground.”

@ecat026 said:

The replacement GFCI breaker is a good alternative, if somebody manufacturers a retrofit for what is likely a 60 year old breaker box.

The OP said the house is 63 years old. (Built in 1962).  If the electrical panel is the original one, IMO, the OP should be worried more about the old panel than the non grounded outlet his audio system is plugged into, when it comes to his safety. You are correct about the GFCI breaker though. I didn’t consider the panel could still be the original one that was installed in 1962. That doesn’t say the panel was made in 1962. I could be from the late 1950s. Who knows?

As for this:

**406.4(D)(2) Non‑Grounding‑Type Receptacles.**

Where attachment to an equipment grounding conductor does not exist in the receptacle enclosure, the installation shall comply with (D)(2)(a), (b), or (c):

I looked at that this morning and thought to myself wheres the (a) ? So I pulled out my 2020 NEC code book and read 406.4 (D) (2) (a) . I seen the little triangle beside (a)... (a) was deleted in the 2020 NEC. 2017 NEC was the last code Edition allowed. The OP lives in Maryland. To date the State of Maryland.is still working under the 2020 NEC code. 

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the best peace of mind you will have is to get a quote to rewire your home. People over the years have possibly "rigged" wiring to work any old way they could. I've seen many houses get worked on over the years. In every case wiring was faulty or redone by wannabee home owners. You'll sleep better at night knowing your home is safe. Some things are better left to a pro. Your insurance company will be happy too. Joe

@vinylfun 

I hope the electrical service and electrical panel in your home is not the original installed in 1962. 

As for your safety concerns using the ungrounded outlet your audio system is plugged into, you could buy one of these to feed the power to your audio system for now.

Example of:

GFCI plug-in pigtail  

More examples to choose from.

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Electrical-Electrical-Cords-Extension-Cords-GFCI-Plugs/N-5yc1vZcger

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All I know is when the amp was plugged directly to the mains, it's metal front cover conveyed some minor current flow and when plugged into the Panamax, it was resolved.

I am not in a position to rewire my entire home either DIY or via a paid professional. I also don't own equipment anywhere near true audiophile or reference level cost or performance.

@motown-l  I understand money is a concern, but this sounds bad.  Not saying you need to rewire your home, but it sounds like a lifted neutral which can cause all sorts of electrical and life safety issues. 

Strongly suggest you get the cheap-o tester I recommended and see what it t4ells you, then consult with an electrician.  It's quite possible this is a small fix, and if it's a major fix it may well save your home.