I lived in Japan for 9 years and was an audiophile at that time, so I purchased several Japanese components, all of which had two prong plugs. I did not understand why at the time but reading this thread taught me the differences, so thanks to all who helped me get less dumb.
I am wondering about the question around the amp IEC having three prongs on some of the Japanese stuff though. I'm wondering if a power chord with a three prong plug is used with these components would the ground plug be functional? As someone said the Japanese electronics are built with plastic or coated to avoid the need for a ground in the chassis, but I wonder if the female plug on the back has any ground function, or if it is simply there to allow use of aftermarket cords. One might gain a false sense of security if they attached a grounded cord to an amp that had a non-functional ground.
I am wondering about the question around the amp IEC having three prongs on some of the Japanese stuff though. I'm wondering if a power chord with a three prong plug is used with these components would the ground plug be functional? As someone said the Japanese electronics are built with plastic or coated to avoid the need for a ground in the chassis, but I wonder if the female plug on the back has any ground function, or if it is simply there to allow use of aftermarket cords. One might gain a false sense of security if they attached a grounded cord to an amp that had a non-functional ground.