Balanced power and 2 prong plugs


I have a question regarding using balanced power on my vintage Macintosh MC 60s. I have balanced power on my front end and have an opportunity to purchase an Equi=Tech unit for my amps. My concern is that with a 2 prong plug, the power cord lacks the third line to carry the ground. Will the balanced power unit still be effective?
128x128dentdog
Hi Dent,

The 3rd prong is not used in power transmission. It’s role, when equipped, is to ensure the metal chassis of your equipment is ALWAYS at ground potential. Should a short occur between the power supply and the metal chassis that pin should short it to ground, causing a breaker to trip. The alternative in these cases is that you, your pets or your children become the short to ground when you touch it.

Devices that do not require a third pin are double insulated, or do not have a metal exterior chasis. My subwoofer is like that. The external parts are all wood.

The balanced power benefits will help your entire system no matter which of these devices you use. That is, 2 or 3 prong. However, there are arguments that balanced power devices don't always help with ground loops. I've found the best way to deal with GLs is to add isolation to the offending devices. Usually this is a Cable TV input, or PC audio input.

Best,

Erik
Hi Eric,

Your contributions to the forum here are quite informative and much appreciated. System is quiet as to ground loops but the hash during the day probably contributes to a degradations in sound. Hi efficiency speakers suffer more from bad power, no?
Always on a quest to quieten the noise and thought the Equi=tech unit might do the trick on amps. Appreciate the info.

Ptss, will check that website as well, thanks
Also remember you can always phone Equi=tech and speak with someone that is knowledgable.

I hear you. The Equitech will reduce noise just as much for 2 prong as 3 prong devices.

I can't afford anything that expensive, so I use Furman with LiFT instead. It's effective enough, and expensive enough for me. :)

Best,

Erik