Grounding Speakers

@oldschool1948,

Tannoy owner here, I have not tried the earth connection on the amplifier as I am currently using Nordost Star Grounding scheme for my entire system. My Tannoy’s are currently grounded to Nordost QKORE6 ...this does provide enhanced mid-range clarity and quieter background. I believe the idea behind the ground connection on Tannoy’s is to reduce unwanted radio frequency interference.

I believe the idea behind the ground connection on Tannoy’s is to reduce unwanted radio frequency interference.

+1.  That's my belief as well.

Also, while it would seem unlikely that the speaker itself could respond to RF frequencies, at least in a way that would be audible, I suspect that the likeliest way in which RFI picked up by the speaker cables could affect sonics would be as a result of the RFI being injected into the feedback loop of the amplifier, assuming the amp has a feedback loop. If so, the benefit of this ground connection, if any, in addition to being dependent on the RFI environment at the particular location would be dependent on the design of the specific amplifier. Including the amount of feedback it utilizes, its output impedance, its bandwidth, and perhaps other design-dependent variables.

The bottom line being that the only way to know if there would be a benefit in a particular system is to try it in that system.

Best regards,
-- Al

@lalitk Thanks for the input.

Just one caution: If that earth connection on the speaker ties the common (negative terminal) to ground then it would damage an amplifier with active speaker terminal outputs if you ground the speaker.

I have the tannot legacy eatons and I use 12 gauge stranded green wire (could use solid copper, but a bit less flexibility), terminated to one gold plated 8 gauge #6 spade to the amp. On speaker end, stripped and silver solder tinned wire ends to the 5th ground speaker terminal. The ground wires from both left and right channels are terminated together into the one aforementioned spade connector (two 12 gauge wires equates to 9 gauge) and attach to one of the rear chassis screws of my Sugden A21se. Not certain if I can detect a difference....anyhow, I like the fact that the 5th terminal is provided and it probably can’t hurt...