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Replace pwr cord w/IEC socket on vintage gear?

I have thought about this many times, as I own a fair amount of gear from the '80s. Yesterday I picked up a KILLER Heathkit pwr amp, but it has a really wimpy pwr cord. The shop where I bought it will install an IEC socket for 1 hr. labor plus the part. Given that this opens the amp up to the world of better power cords, this seems like an attractive, low-cost upgrade.

Has anybody here done it, and how'd it turn out?
johnnyb53
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Well, plenty of (in fact nearly all) manufacturers now use an IEC.
Use a Furman male, and a good plug. No problems.
I think those comments were back when all IECs were nickel plated (read cheap) junk.
stltrains
845 posts
 
Almarg i believe Rrog is talking about having all components in phase with each other by using the chassis and a good ground for measurements for proper phase. not a bad thing to do with any gear even phased plugs of newer gear have been known to be wired wrong.
almarg's avatar
almarg
8,673 posts
 
Stltrains, I don't follow what you are saying. What does having "all components in phase with each other" mean in the context of orienting a two-prong non-polarized ac plug?

Regards,
-- Al
stltrains
845 posts
 
When you check phase you reverse the plug and get voltage readings in each position the lower reading is in phase do this for all pieces of gear in a system its suppose to contribute to better sound.
almarg's avatar
almarg
8,673 posts
 
06-27-11: Stltrains
When you check phase you reverse the plug and get voltage readings in each position the lower reading is in phase do this for all pieces of gear in a system its suppose to contribute to better sound.
Yes, which is what my initial post above addressed, and which is what I feel certain is what Ron (Rrog) was referring to. However, I would not refer to the procedure as resulting in anything being "in phase" or "out of phase," in part because those terms have no meaning without being referenced to something. What is occurring is that ac leakage to chassis is being minimized.

Regards,
-- Al
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