Does high end system with dedicated circuits need grounding products

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 

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.

I went to AXPONA in 2018 and heard a demo of an Ansuz power distributor/grounding gizmo. It was their top end model and cost $20k but I don't remember the model number. IIRC one of the main features of the thing was that it acted as a star grounding system. The system consisted of Raidho speakers and Ansuz amplification. They compared the system with a high quality power strip (I don't remember which brand) and then they unplugged everything and replugged all the components into the Ansuz unit.

Before I go any further I should let you know that my bias is toward skepticism regarding tweaks like this. Turns out that this little demo changed my mind about this type of product. There was an unmistakable difference with and without the Ansuz - the Ansuz was quieter and the backgrounds were "blacker." I don't poo poo this stuff anymore.

It could be that the power in the hotel was awful and that any good power conditioner/filter would have helped. I also would not spend $20k for such a thing because I would upgrade several other components first. But I have to admit that it made a demonstrable difference and if I had a mid 6 figure system I would seriously consider  buying it.

One more note regarding dedicated outlets. One of the main reasons to install 1 or more dedicated outlets is to prevent voltage sag which can definitely affect how your components perform. If your amp draws a lot of power and your other gear is on the same circuit the voltage will sag considerably, especially if the circuit is a typical 15 amp line. Even having a 20 amp circuit to run everything is a benefit because the 20 amp circuit uses larger gauge wire from your panel box. In my previous house I installed 2 dedicated 20 amp circuits in my listening room - one for my Krell amp and one for everything else. I had good quality power and my voltage never dropped below 120 on either line.

@8th-note   Your post brings up a very good point. IME, a big wall sucking amp will almost always need a dedicated line. Not so much for the little flea powered or lower powered amp. The voltage sag that you mention is the culprit...which doesn't seem to really have to do so much with grounding. In my system, with my big Rowland on the dedicated line, I get better sound from not having any other gear on that line, even though it is a 20 amp line! OTOH, with my lower powered tube amps, this is not a requirement and all can easily be accommodated on the dedicated line. 

Well despite my low expectations I am going to try the SR Active Block SE to add to my dedicated circuits and power conditioner and see if I like the addition.

The only reason that I am willing to risk it frankly is because I can return it.

I am guessing it will have some effect so question will be whether the difference is positive over time and enough to justify the costs (albeit I got a good price).