Ground Pin Missing-tube amp

[Zildjian106]

My Mesa 400 is missing the ground pin on the power cable. This cable is permanently attached to the chassis. Would it be an expensive job installing a modern detachable connector on the amp?

[skychief]

You should replace the pwr cord with the proper grounded type. Theyre only 6 or 7 bucks at the hardware store. But upgrading to the detatchable type is a good idea if you're good with with that stuff.

[BassmanPaul]

Replace the plug! If you are in North America you can get a "hospital" style a Home Depot for around five or six bucks.

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by Zildjian106

Would it be an expensive job installing a modern detachable connector on the amp?

It's easier to chop off the plug and put on a new one. Installing an IEC jack would require cutting the chassis.

[skychief]

Install one of these to your Mesa. IEC 60320 C14

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

Replace the plug! If you are in North America you can get a "hospital" style a Home Depot for around five or six bucks.

^This.

And

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

It's easier to chop off the plug and put on a new one. Installing an IEC jack would require cutting the chassis.

^This.

Installing a IEC connector is both un-necessary and expensive if a first class job is required.

DIY is almost without exception very messy without the correct punch.

IME only of course.

Regards
Sam

[96tbird]

Replace the plug only. If you are not familiar, proceed as follows. Cut off the old end. Don't forget to slide the plug casing on first. Strip the outer case of the cable about an inch and a half. There are exactly three wires, black white and green (ground), the lugs in the plug are marked, silver to white, brass to black, green to green. There are screws to wrap the wire around. Strip a half inch of each wire. Wrap one at a time around a screw clockwise and tighten. Trim wire if needed. Repeat.
Screw plug together and tighten the cable crimp. Enjoy.

Disregard if you know this! :P

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by T-Bird

Installing a IEC connector is both un-necessary and expensive if a first class job is required.

DIY is almost without exception very messy without the correct punch.

If you have a techie do the job and he has a punch for the cutout it's a five minute job. If he doesn't it's an hour with a Dremel tool, and it won't be a clean installation. If you do go this route install one of these rather than just a socket; the filter used is the same as what they use in $100 and up so-called 'power conditioners'. It might not make the amp sound better, but most of what you'll being paying for is labor, so you might as well make the most of it.
Delta 15DEEG3HA (D) | Excess Solutions

[beans-on-toast]

This is the one that I use: Home Depot black plug. It comes in yellow as well.

[Joe Louvar]

Originally Posted by Zildjian106

My Mesa 400 is missing the ground pin on the power cable. This cable is permanently attached to the chassis. Would it be an expensive job installing a modern detachable connector on the amp?

If you are thinking about installing a IEC connector - first, look inside of the box to make sure there is enough room.

[BillyB_from_LZ]

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

... install one of these rather than just a socket; the filter used is the same as what they use in $100 and up so-called 'power conditioners'. It might not make the amp sound better, but most of what you'll being paying for is labor, so you might as well make the most of it.
Delta 15DEEG3HA (D) | Excess Solutions

Cool...thanks Bill!!!

[96tbird]

Originally Posted by beans-on-toast

This is the one that I use: Home Depot black plug. It comes in yellow as well.

Black is the best plug for tone! Well someone had to say it.

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by 96tbird

Black is the best plug for tone! Well someone had to say it.

Believe it or don't, but some screwball oddiophiles actually believe that they can hear the difference between different colors of wire insulation. But when products like this even exist it's not that much of a stretch:
One Degree Of Freedom Turntable | ONEDOF

[B-string]

Originally Posted by 96tbird

Black is the best plug for tone! Well someone had to say it.

NO Yellow gives you more horse power! Just ask any kid with yellow stickers or banners on his Honda Civic

[Popps]

Ahh, but, what color is best for metal??

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by Popps

Ahh, but, what color is best for metal??

Carrot Orange, of course.

[B-string]

^+1

[96tbird]

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

Believe it or don't, but some screwball oddiophiles actually believe that they can hear the difference between different colors of wire insulation. But when products like this even exist it's not that much of a stretch:
One Degree Of Freedom Turntable | ONEDOF

150k that's just presige, I'm sure you can do as well for 10-15K

[seamonkey]

Neutrik PowerCON

Neutrik NAC3MPB Powercon Chassis Connector Power Out Gray 092-286
Neutrik NAC3FCB Powercon Cable Connector Power Out Gray 092-282

Easy to install - no harder than a speakon.

Look to see these more and more in hi power amps instead of the friction fit office chords.

[beans-on-toast]

I've seen similar connectors on lighting boxes. They are very nice.

They call a cable with these connectors a million dollar part. You hope that you never loose it.