noromance@ noromance,
906 posts 01-04-2018 11:20pm
Looks like I should expedite my plan to rewire the power cords on the power amps with new OFC cables including connecting the safety ground. I’ve been meaning to do it after changing the power cord on the preamp with very positive results. Thank you.
Is this the schematic wiring diagram for your amps?
http://www.freeinfosociety.com/electronics/schematics/audio/pictures/eicohf22.gif
If so, see that C13 (.03 600V) cap connected to the AC line that is connected to the chassis? (Just to the right of the AC line fuse). That would have to be removed before connecting an equipment ground wire to the chassis.
That’s the cap I was attempting to ask Al about in my previous post. I forgot it was/is referred to as a "death cap". (Thanks imhififan for the 2 Links above.)
I always wondered why the cap was installed on the fuse AC line and not on the non fused line. With the old original non polarized plug the user had a 50/50 chance of plugging the plug into the wall outlet and getting the neutral, (The Grounded Conductor), the line the cap is connected to. Again note the fuse would be connected to the neutral line.
I guess back in those days electrical safety was seen different than it was in later years.
One example, old Knob and Tube wiring the HOT was ran directly to the ceiling light and the neutral ran through the switch on the wall.
The amps, at the time they were designed and built, were not designed to be directly connected to an equipment ground. You will be connecting the amplifier’s circuit ground/signal ground directly to the mains safety equipment ground. I am not sure if that will improve the SQ of the amps or harm it. Someone like Al or Ralph would need to chime in with their thoughts.
Jim