hi chris,

do a google search on: "cheater plug" uk

you should find enough links there to more thoroughly explain... they
basically eliminate the grounding pin, which actually should be done
only as a last resort, as the component won't be grounded. but the
system should still be grounded, as the ground is being made by
another component plugged into the one that's "cheating", which is why
you are getting hum, thru a ground loop, when everything is grounded...

hope this helps...

doug s.
--- In DIOmods@yahoogroups.com, "jtaytay2000" <jtaytay2000@...> wrote:
>
>
> Thanks for the reply Doug. The mensa modded DI/O works fine in other
> systems where integrated amps are used. No hum/noise. I tried it in
> two different setups with the Trends Audio TA10's biamped (ie just
> the cd transport and speakers changed. In both cases, there was the
> same loud hum.
>
> I'm interested in the 'cheater' plug suggestion. I'm based in the Uk
> and have never heard of a cheater plug? I'm also don't know what
> constitutes 'lifting a ground'. Can I make my own 'cheater' plug or
> anyone know if they can be bought in the UK? Also, any other easy
> ways to 'lift a ground' worth trying.
>
> Chris
>
> --- In DIOmods@yahoogroups.com, "sedond" <dsedon@> wrote:
> >
> > hi,
> >
> > have you tried the mensa di/o in another system to see if it hums
> > there, as well? also, in the trends system, have you tried using
> > "cheater" plugs on any of your three-pronged power cords? sometimes
> > lifting a ground on a component will eliminate a ground-loop hum,
> > which it seems you have got, w/the mensa di/o.
> >
> > doug s.
> > --- In DIOmods@yahoogroups.com, "jtaytay2000" <jtaytay2000@> wrote:
> > >
> > > I've got two ART Dios, one unmodded and the other full mensa mods
> by
> > > Boulder Cables. I've been setting up a biamped setup in two
> systems.
> > > The setup with the unmodded one works fine. The setup with the
> modded
> > > one has a loud hum.I've eliminated other things and swapped the
> DACs
> > > and the hum disappears when the unmodded one is inserted.
> > >
> > > Any ideas why this happens with the modded one and how I can get
> rid
> > > of the hum with the biamped setup? I'd really like to hear the
> sound
> > > quality with the modded DAC when biamped.
> > >
> > > The way I've biamped is a bit unusual. I'm using a couple of
> trends
> > > audio TA10 amps, no pre-amp. I use phono adapters to split/double
> the
> > > analogue out from the DACs. The two 'rights out' go to the left
> and
> > > right inputs on one TA10, then I biwire that amp to my right
> speaker.
> > > Likewise the left signal out (as split). So the right and left
> > > channel of one amp is providing separate power to the higher or
> lower
> > > frequencies of one speaker.
> > >
> > > I'm hoping there's an easy work around to the hum problem. I also
> > > wonder if its at all connnected to the problem where the DAC
> drops
> > > the signal sometimes when changing CD - (this only happens with
> my
> > > modded DAC). I can turn the CD transport off and on, and hear a
> pop
> > > when the modded DAC has regained the signal. Is it the hum earth
> > > related?
> > >
> > > Any help would be appreciated.
> > >
> > > thanks
> > >
> > > Chris
> > >
> >
>