Another Ground question please.

[Kenwoody53]

I didnt want to add this to other ground thread and get off topic for those who started them. I searched ground threads and not sure I answered my question. More like confused myself because I am not very technical on electronics, I just buy, plug in and play. Please give your idea, or lead me to the correct thread that may already answer this, I would appreciate it.
I have a Kenwood KRV 7060 with a Kenwood M2A and a M2 amp. I run two TT,s connected to a Rek O Kut switch. The receiver does not have a grounded plug nor does any of my equipment. The amps both have a ground lug on the back of them that is not utilized for now. I have no hum, noise or any problems. Should I leave well enough alone or should this be properly grounded somehow. If so, how?

[Jon_Logan]

Well enough alone. It's fine the way it is unless you want to play it in the rain.

[Hi-FiGuy]

I agree with Jon, but the rule I've heard is to leave everything ungrounded except for the pre-amp. Ideally there is only one ground.

[skazi]

Interesting, the diagram in my C1 preamp manual depicts a single wire running from the turntable to the ground lug on the preamp, and that's it. But, now that I read the description, it says to actually ground it for maximum safety and minimal interference.

So, if you just run a ground wire from the turntable to the ground lug on the preamp, and nothing after that, is it a pointless exercise?

Why do turntables use this when other components do not?

[secondslc]

Do you know what makes 3 wire "better?"

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/sho...d.php?t=202099

post 10....13...28


I would advise going with what he says.

Or post 3
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/sho....php?p=1637762

Im an approvals engineer that works with industrial versions of UL and worldwide electrical codes. Any time you start modifying a unit, all liability is on you as to whether it catches your house on fire, electrocutes someone, or fails in any other way.

These things were designed to be safe from the factory. Unless there are tired components inside (old capacitors), or the cords are frayed, there is no reason to believe that these units are no longer safe.

[Jon_Logan]

For improved safety, install a GFCI outlet where you plug in. In the event there are divergent currents, namely though somebody's body, the outlet will open.

[Kenwoody53]

Thanks a million for the info! The GFCI is a good idea. I have to use them at work and have personally seen them work, but thats an entire different story : ).

[Hi-FiGuy]

Everything grounds to the pre-amp chassis, the pre-amp grounds to earth ground.

[Suzuki]

I agree with Mr.Hi-FiGUY thoroughly.

[Cactus Bob]

Originally Posted by Hi-FiGuy

Everything grounds to the pre-amp chassis, the pre-amp grounds to earth ground.

Sorry to break in but . . . should the power amp be grounded to the preamp and the preamp is grounded by means of power cord or?

I ask this because my Pioneer Spec 2 amp make a little static noise now & then after it's running a while. Thanks Bob

[Hi-FiGuy]

Everything grounds to the Pre-Amp chassis, the Pre-Amp is the only device that is grounded to earth would be the Pre-Amp, either through a grounded outlet (via power cable) or a copper rod pounded into the ground (If you don't have grounded outlets or your house was never grounded).

[EchoWars]

Adding an earth ground to consumer hi-fi gear that was sold with a two-prong plug is asking for trouble. And hum. There needs to be only one signal return for all devices connected to a receiver or preamp, and as soon as you tie any piece of gear to earth ground, you have added another highly undesirable path. It's that simple.

If you want to do it, just go do it then. But when it ends up sounding like the inside of your microwave, at least you'll know why. At the very least, you'll raise the noise floor. At worst, it'll sound like you spliced a two-prong plug to your speakers and stuck it in the wall.

I have no intention of debating this issue, since this is probably the 60th or 70th thread on the subject in the last couple of years. Everyone has said their piece, and hopefully you're intelligent enough to gather the facts and decide for yourself.

[whoaru99]

Number one rule for something like this is...if it ain't broke, DON'T fix it.