@slaw - re:
Wouldn't all of this be unnecessary if there was an industry standard on internal grounding of audio components?
YES! - wouldn't that be novel? - industry standards in audio? - no chance!
Most components (way back) were correctly grounded - then the Japanese came out with the isolated power supply approach (i.e. the two pin plugs) and now we have the Wal-Wart power supplies - both of which do not support grounded circuits.
There are even a few variants on grounded circuits - e.g. NAIM, who believe the source should be the grounded component - which can cause serious hum if you use an un-grounded source - like a Japanese CD player - I know because I experienced it.
So it's left up to the customer to be aware of the various nuances of grounding and take the appropriate action.
It's a bit like making sure your pre-amp's output impedance is compatible with your main amp's input impedance. If you mic brands this can be one reason a certain brand combination lacks "synergy"
If the industry can't come up with a standard for that one - what hope is there for a common grounding scheme?
"It is what it is" - I hate that expression and like you, would like the industry to resolve it - but it really is a non-starter.
They don't want a standards because then all components would work flawlessly across brands - and "a brand" would not really want that to happen.
Let's face it - how many people are loyal to a brand across all of their components? After all, It can be far less hassle!
The Gutwire cable is only a solution - IF the customer really understands the problem.
But the hype sounds good and if you have a hum in your system - you will probably be tempted to try it - and THAT is all they are after.
Synical? - you bet
Regards - Steve
