"D.M. Procida" wrote in
message
...
If you read uk.d-i-y, you may have seen a thread ("This appliance
must
be earthed") about Dutch mains sockets, which are often unearthed.

If I plug a Cyrus 1 amplifier (which has an extremely metal case and
a
stern label saying "This appliance must be earthed") into an
unearthed
socket, do I risk death by electrocution, or worse, poorer sound
quality?



In fact you will find that most amplifiers with a fixed cable use two
core and no earth, as do almost all other separates.

In practice if there is to be an earth within a hi-fi system there
should only ever be one and very often that used to be on the
turntable. If there is more than one you will likely end up with a
'hum loop' around the multiple earths causing a very low level but
continuous hum form the speakers.

If you have an amp with a 'kettle' plug connection if you have or know
someone who has a multimeter you should check for continuity between
the earth pin (the longer pin in the fixed plug) and the chassis
and/or the screen (outer) of any phono connector. If there is
continuity then use of an earthed cable is a good idea but you won't
damage the equipment and are unlikely to damage yourself if you don't.


--
Woody

harrogate3 at ntlworld dot com