Ungrounding an Amp--Any Danger?

Bob, I'm afraid you are incorrect about "unbalanced" ICs. First of all, the correct terminology is "single-ended" ICs. Some single-ended ICs have a coaxial configuration, where the shield is indeed used for a signal carrier, but they are usually only found today in 75 ohm coaxial FM and TV cable and in some 110 ohm digital interconnect. They are no longer used for audio signal IC, except in those cheap RCA patch cords which are packed with inexpensive gear to get the consumer "up and running" -- and they don't have arrows on them.

The audio ICs I was referring to are known as "shotgun" interconnects, and were the original Bruce Brisson design which put Monster Cable on the map. Bruce left Monster early on to start MIT, which he still owns. The shotgun design is a single-ended interconnect (which means one ground conductor and one hot conductor), but there are TWO identical (double-barreled?) signal conductors surrounded by a ("floating") shield which is only connected at one end and therefore cannot carry any signal or current. The conventional (though not universal) indication for the end at which the shield is connected to the ground ring of the RCA, is an arrow which points to that end. This configuration applies to the majority of decent conventional audio cables today, from the cheapest Audioquest, Straightwire, Monster, XLO, Cardas, etc., to expensive (and even unconventional) designs like Magnan, Purist, Transparent, and Siltech. Two of the well-known brands that represent exceptions to the shotgun design (and only in certain models now) are Nordost (flat conductors) and Kimber (braided conductors). Using the old single-conductor-and-braid/shield design for audio signals anymore is just asking for "hum trouble."

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Also, a word about "shielded" power cords. Manufacturer supplied power cords, if they are shielded (and most aren't) must have the shield connected at both the AC plug end and the equipment (or IEC plug) end. That is a UL underwriting requirement. Good for your power saw, bad for your audio -- instant ground loop!! So, if you feel your equipment might benefit from a shielded power cord, get an aftermarket one with a floating shield and no UL rating.

One place I absolutely recommend using a (floating) shield power cord is the DAC, CDP, or DVD. These devices tend to broadcast digital RFI from their power cords unless they are adequately shielded. They also pump digital RFI into the electric lines, so put them on their own circuit, or use a power conditioner which has a couple of outlets with digital filters specifically for this purpose.

Yes, the story is that Keith Relf died from electrocution while playing his electric guitar at home. A common version has him playing it in the bathtub, but his family has said this is a myth and he was found dead in his basement recording studio. Supposedly his amp developed an electrical fault, and it's also said that he was probably standing on an exposed gasline pipe that had something to do with it. What's interesting about this to me (other than that I am a Yardbirds fan) is that I play electric guitar, and can vouch for the fact that the vast majority of vintage amps do not have 3-pronged plugs in the first place.

Nsgarch: High quality coaxial analog interconnects, if not prevalent, are indeed made, by van den Hul for instance (which I happen to own)...there are others...