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Chassis ground vs. source signal ground?

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Should (as common sense dictates) amplifier "chassis ground" be wired to the electrical (3-prong outlet ground wire) ground or should be left to float?

Consider the fact that depending on the source its "signal ground" may or may not be isolated from the AC mains.

Most "common" CD changers use a "floating ground" design with a switching power supply, while there seems to be less of an issue with more "high-end" CD changers.

I got a Marantz CC4300, which is my main signal source and supposedly it uses a traditional transformer power supply.

I measured the voltage between signal ground on it and the AC (wall socket ground) and there is about 12-15 volts AC. Which seems to tell me isolation is pretty good.

A common DVD player, however, measures about 50-60 volt AC potential between its signal ground (floating) and AC ground.

Could there be issues with ground loops when trying to connect various CD changers to an amplifier, which signal ground ultimately "meets" chassis ground and that goes to AC line ground?

I appreciate any experience anyone may have in this area.


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Topic - Chassis ground vs. source signal ground? - A.A. 18:54:27 04/25/07 (28)


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