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Does my laptop need to be grounded when charging?

I generally leave my MacBook Pro attached to its charger while listening to music files played thru my dac via USB.  I have noticed that when I am barefoot and gently rub my finger over the metal surfaces of the laptop that I feel a slight fuzziness as if there is stray voltage going through me.  It is not a shock per se and the sensation goes away when the charger is unplugged.  The charger does not have a ground prong. Should I ground the metal cover of the laptop? Should I get into the habit of disconnecting the charger when I listen to music files from the laptop?  Is this normal?
jc4659
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
som engineers are thinking that the USB issues are lack of a clock signal wire, and noise on the data wires

noise from a charger might affect the latter, but just try it both ways (blinded) on some very clear passages

or get a DAC or other 'boxes' that can reduce these putative problems... do you have a re-clocker?  (I think the regenerator function in the uptone items may be a reclocker)

AND... a used Apple TV3 costs ~~$40 - can then use Airplay for your Redbook data and beam it over WiFi

jc is giving you a very old and very valuable tip
jc4659 OP
551 posts
 
I tried flipping the polarity on the charger plug and no difference.  I already own a Regen and was considering the ISO Regen upgrade or move to the Intona.  Was hoping other Codex owners would chime in before I spend the additional $$.
jea48
4,425 posts
 
I have noticed that when I am barefoot and gently rub my finger over the metal surfaces of the laptop that I feel a slight fuzziness as if there is stray voltage going through me. It is not a shock per se and the sensation goes away when the charger is unplugged.
I assume the floor is bare concrete or maybe some type of conductive tile. Concrete is conductive. Especially when poured on grade, earth.

I believe what you are experiencing is a very low level electrical shock. Your body may be sensitive to low levels of electrical current passing through it.
Just a guess a difference of potential exists between the laptop and the concrete floor. I would suggest you wear slippers on your feet or some other type of insulator
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
Cheapest: unplug it and see

Best advice: post on www.computeraudiophile.com

jea48 has the likely issue but could static buildup possibly affect your SQ?  no matter as USB can be a very problematic interface and it appears that not all problems are known in a mechanistic sense

Something to do before going any further: Call Uptone and see what they think; John Swenson (the engineer there) just moved and is likely very busy, but he is also very helpful & they have a loyal fan base

No affiliation, not a customer, YMMV, my bits are shot on a closed course by a professional driver so Do not attempt
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
I feel a slight fuzziness as if there is stray voltage going through me.  It is not a shock per se and the sensation goes away when the charger is unplugged.

SMP (switch mode)  chargers will do that if not well designed.

Cheers George
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