Puny 2 wire amp cords.

[Prozakk]

I own 2 Harman Kardon Signature amps...a 2.1 & a 1.5.

They both have puny ungrounded power cords. The 2.1, which has the most current draw, has the smaller cord (beyond my understanding as to why).

I know for sure I am going to install bigger cords. Should I just replace the 2 wire cords, or add a sheilded 3 wire cord & ground it to the chassis? If the later, can someone provide some links with pics as how to (PROPERLY) do so?

[ThomasW]

They're probably what's called a double grounded cord. Those don't have a 3 prong plugs.

If there's room and you know what you're doing, just remove the existing cord and install a standard IEC outlet. Then get a cord you like.

I don't know of any step-by-step instructions for installing an IEC outlet because the details will be somewhat specific to each piece of gear.

Note must be careful not to get metal shavings into the chassis. That can toast the circuit boards.

[Prozakk]

There isn't an IEC connector at the amp. The wire runs through a grommet.

I've put bigger power cords on car amps, but it's the grounding of the chassis on the home stuff that I have the question about.

[ThomasW]

There isn't an IEC connector at the amp. The wire runs through a grommet.

I'm aware of that. You'll have to drill out the hole for a larger cord and clamp, so it's not much more work to use an IEC outlet.

[Glen B]

There isn't an IEC connector at the amp. The wire runs through a grommet.

I've put bigger power cords on car amps, but it's the grounding of the chassis on the home stuff that I have the question about.

If the chassis needed grounding the manufacturer would likely have installed a 3-wire cord, if that is your only concern. Years ago I replaced the 16 gauge two wire power cord on a 330 watt per channel Nikko amp I owned with a 3-wire 14 gauge cord and connected the ground conductor to the chassis. This change made no difference to the performance of the amp.

[Prozakk]

I'll just upgrade to larger 2 wire then.

Should I even bother with sheilded wire?

[ThomasW]

I use shielded for everything