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A New Ground -- Benefits of introducing the Synergistic Research Active Ground Block SE

Dedicated ground solutions are not a novel idea but over the past year it seems everyone has been coming out with their version. For a few months I’ve been thinking about introducing one to my system and had considered Entreq, Telos, Nordost and others. Although I have a bunch of Synergistic Research (SR) kit I had dismissed their older basic ground block as too rinky dink -- however when I heard about the new Active Ground Blocks I thought that could be the way to go. The Active Ground blocks are smallish devices with a mains connection and a plethora of outlets for grounding cables to every component. They incorporate a range of the latest SR UEF tweaks
http://www.synergisticresearch.com/isolation/ground-isolation/active-ground-block-se/

While the blocks alone are quite expensive ($2995) you will also need to lay out for connections to all of your components -- ideally the HD links. In my case as I have two distinct zones in my system I needed two ground blocks and 13 links -- quite an outlay

Question is is it worthwhile? Most certainly yes. The impact of implementing a full grounding solution in my system was one of the most profound changes I’ve experienced. It’s not a change that can be described in the usual audiophile terms of dynamics, frequency response, transparency etc. Instead it’s a shift in the wholeness, the verisimilitude, the gestalt of what you are hearing. Probably this is most obvious in a couple of places. Firstly is in background washes of sound (e.g. classic synth backings, or massed strings, or the whoosh that opens "Private Investigations") -- which now take on a scale, texture and clarity that had previously been completely masked. Secondly in vocals where a whole level of shading, nuance, breathwork, and subtly inflections are now audible. This is not simply more "detail" or a "reduction in the noise floor" it’s as if things which you did not know previously existed are suddenly there, as they had been all along

The effect is enhanced the more things you ground -- obviously all active components but even stands (my GPA stands are conductive so I connect a basic ground link to the bare metal inside the stand posts -- the surface metal is varnished and non conductive).

While I obviously can recommend the SR products I imagine any ground solution will bring similar benefits and would strongly suggest that anyone with a high resolution system explore some form of ground solution

ps For those in the now the music to accompany this review is A New Ground

128x128folkfreak
jea48
4,451 posts
 
ozzy
2,848 posts                                                                      10-29-2017 5:53pm

Jim,

I am using an ordinary AC plug with just the ground wire connected. Then that wire is connected with a 4mm banana to the SR grounding block. There are no special features with the grounding block just copper with all the grounding leads plugged into it. I have just about everything including video components connected to the block. It will accept 18 leads. Imagine buying all of those leads from SR at about $450 each... gulp!
Too me, its a very useful and sonic addition. I think I got it for about $300 used.

I have never tried the Active SR ground block it just seems a little too pricey for me.

ozzy

ozzy,

Thanks for the reply.
So your grounding block does not have the "active components inside"?
Does the safety equipment ground connect directly to the ground bar on the block?

It appears I need to rethink my understanding of the safety equipment ground.

Al, (almarg),

If you are following this thread, why is the safety equipment ground having any influence on the SQ of the audio system when connected to the grounding block? Especially if it is solidly connected to the ground bar of the block. If that is the case all the signal grounds of the audio equipment is then connected directly to the chassis of cord and plug connected equipment that uses the safety equipment ground.


Jim

jea48
4,451 posts
 
folkfreak OP
537 posts                                                                      10-29-2017 6:14pm

@jea48 i suspect you may be misunderstand how these systems work. They have no effect on nor relation to the safety ground. As @ozzy has observed even passive ground solutions give results, consider for example the Entreq units which have no connection to the AC safety ground at all but still produce the same type of results. The active circuitry in the SR block I have adds to the effect but you can get the main part of it by using a passive device. These devices will not address humm or other AC ground issues and have a completely separate use.

.

ozzy
2,848 posts                                                                       10-29-2017 1:46pm

Jim,

Ok, I disconnected the ground wire from the wall outlet and the music seemed to shift more to the center. Plugging it back into the wall provides a more spacious soundstage.

ozzy

@ folkfreak,

It sure sounds to me like the safety equipment ground is at play. What am I missing?

.

ozzy
2,848 posts                                                                    10-29-2017 5:53pm

Jim,

I am using an ordinary AC plug with just the ground wire connected. Then that wire is connected with a 4mm banana to the SR grounding block. There are no special features with the grounding block just copper with all the grounding leads plugged into it. I have just about everything including video components connected to the block. It will accept 18 leads. Imagine buying all of those leads from SR at about $450 each... gulp!
Too me, its a very useful and sonic addition. I think I got it for about $300 used.

I have never tried the Active SR ground block it just seems a little too pricey for me.

Only the safety equipment ground wire is connected to the grounding block.

Jim




folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak OP
1,349 posts
 
@jea48 well yes, the "safety ground" is used as a common point of reference for all the connected components, but you could just as well use a box of dirt a la Entreq or the or the special mix Verastarr are working on (http://www.monoandstereo.com/2017/10/new-verastarr-ground-box.html)

Using the term "safety ground" while technically correct to me implies that this has something to do with electrical safety where in reality all we are using the ground for is as a common reference point -- not a new idea as Naim devotees know well (http://forums.naimaudio.com/topic/how-to-achieve-star-earthing)
Post removed 
mtseymour's avatar
mtseymour
22 posts
 
Ozzy:

Where did you buy the silver wires and the banana adapters to go from 4mm to 2mm?

Thanks.
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