On one leg or two legs?

Can I use a polarity checker, kind they sell in Home Depot, to accomplish the same, unless you meant to do this test for a purpose, other, than to check polarity of each receptacle?
I cannot understand one thing, though- how come the hum is louder in one channel???

No, you will not be checking if the receptacle polarity is correct.

You will be checking if the 120V AC polarity orientation of the primary of the power transformer of the power amps is correct.

If you do not have a multimeter you might just try a simple listening test. Same set up with the ground cheater just listen for any difference..... The meter is the best sure way though.

You can pick up a decent one at Rat Shack for around 50 bucks....
======================
http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/general/messages/449743.html

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?htech&1014011751&openusid&zzSean

Got you,
Here are the measurements.
Meter set at ACV 50
Left amp: Right amp:
Right cheater plug: 38 37
Reversed: 33 30

So, what's the verdict?

The answer to the big question- no, hum is the same after AC plug is reversed

Just realized my meter settings were at 50, instead of 250 V
new measurements:
L amp:
Correct cheater plug 62.5 V.
Reversed 51 V.

R amp:

Correct 62.5 V.
Reversed 51 V.

new measurements:
L amp:
Correct cheater plug 62.5 V.
Reversed 51 V.

R amp:

Correct 62.5 V.
Reversed 51 V.
01-31-09: Maril555

Wow, I could see where the reading might be high in one direction, but not high in both directions.

I just checked my little ARC VT 50 power amp.

Correct plug orientation with the ground lifted was 3.6Vac

When I reversed the cheater in the receptacle outlet the voltage jumped up to 93.5Vac......
=================================

Would you do me a favor and conduct another small test for me?

Set you meter on the 250Vac scale.

Use the receptacle you were using for your test.

Insert one probe in the T slot, (neutral), of the recept and the other probe in the equipment ground making sure of a good mechanical contact.

Any voltage reading? It should be zero.

If no voltage, set the meter on the 50Vac scale and repeat the same test.
Any voltage reading? Again it should be zero.

Move the meter selector down to the next lower scale and repeat. The meter should still measure zero Vac.

One final test.
Set the meter on the 250Vac scale.
Measure the voltage between the Hot contact, small slot, and the neutral, T slot. Make note of the reading.

Next measure the voltage from the Hot contact to the equipment hole contact. Both voltage readings should be the same.
.