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Does high end system with dedicated circuits need grounding products

Hi,

I believe a high end system even with dedicated circuits benefits from improved cabling and fuses.

I am wondering though if most people here feel.additional benefit from after market grounding product like Synergistic Research active grounding block se.

I like SR products so if you feel its snake oil please start your own thread.

I am interested in those that have experiences in their own system with after market grounding products like SR or others especially in a high end system.

I get if no dedicated circuit or if use inn room where TV or computer but if dedicated and no pc in room nor TV with high end equipment bit skeptical the grounding aspect would make much difference though I get the SR active grounding products contain other features. 
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tom6897's avatar
tom6897
1,484 posts
 
+1 to Mike’s excellent answer and description of what a solid and beneficial system tweak/enhancement can be had from employing these system upgrades. IMO, the first step would be dedicated lines and judicial listening. If more improvements are thought to be warranted then you should explore similar products to those you have already listed. Just make sure to listen and measure at each step to determine if the added pieces move you in the right direction to achieve your end goal. Test and measurements rules the day. Some of the reported improvements will always be system dependent and some are cleverly disguised “film-flam” (a highly technical term 🤔).  YMMV.
spenav
443 posts
 
I have the SR active ground block with the better ground wires and orange fuse.  I also have the 12-outlet power conditioner UEF-SE and a black outlet. I have a dedicated 8 GA wire line. Like Tom said, your mileage may vary. In terms of improvement, the conditioner has the better ROI, followed by the dedicated line. Cannot say much about the orange fuse in it as I have not tried swapping it. The active ground block is the least as far as return on investment is concerned. This is in my system, might be different in another one. Hope that helps. 
cdamiller5
98 posts
 
I just installed the Nordost QX4 and QBase 8 and am very happy with it. It made a noticeable improvement in my sound
cdamiller5
98 posts
 
I also have Frey 2 power cables throughout my system. Quality power cables make a significant difference as well. My experience has been that consistent power cables and interconnects help balance the system. Obviously power conditioning plays a big part. Since going to complete Nordost cabling in my system, along with their power conditioning QX4 I have witnessed a smoother deeper sound. Hope that helps 
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,936 posts
 
The better the grounding schemes of the individual components in your system (and assuming your house wiring is to code), the more you will find that such grounding boxes have less effect if any at all.


A properly grounded bit of audio electronics will have its chassis grounded by the AC cord, but its electronics will not be tied directly to that chassis. In this way the chassis can provide shielding without opening the component to ground loops. The sound is more 3D and the background noise lower, as compared the same circuit that lacks proper grounding.
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