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Why Do All Arcam Units (and Maybe Others) Have Only Two-Prong Power?

I've always been curious about this.  I used to own gear in their Alpha line and then FMJ.  They have always had just two prongs on the back of the unit for the power cord.  How are they grounding?  I'm not an EE, but I understand how balanced signals and electrical grounding works.  Are they not using a fully balanced design inside?
jwseitz
jwseitz OP
19 posts
 

Thank you for the answers.  I don't know why I never got a notification that there were any...

So is it possible for Class II units to have "fully balanced" topology inside?  Are Arcams?

danager's avatar
danager
883 posts
 

Because it sounds better.  A really easy test.  Purchase a three prong to two prong cheater plug and isolate your amp.  I actually use one for DAC also.  Much tighter bass and a clearer background.  There is a safety factor but your amp isn't a skill saw and to me the sound benefits outweighed the tiny risk of a shock.

jwseitz OP
19 posts
 

Violating the ground of something designed to be grounded can kill you.  Just saying.

 

I actually experienced the opposite.  I had two-prong outlets in an older home before building new.  When I ran my same system/amp again in the new place on a grounded circuit it was much better sound.

danager's avatar
danager
883 posts
 

Violating the ground of something designed to be grounded can kill you.  Just saying.

I could be struck by an asteroid too.  Did you try a two prong plug into the new place?  How did it sound?

Look at your toaster.  How many prongs does its plug  have.  A toaster would be a lot more dangerous to a user than modern amp.  

 

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