Grounding & Hi-Fi Issues
Grounding and "Floating Shield" architecture
26/01/12 13:05
WARNING: unless you are an experienced electrical professional - consult a technician
The following diagram depicts how "Floating Shield" cables must be connected to the various components in order to maximize their effectiveness
All source components having a two pronged plug must have a supplemental ground wire connecting their chassis to one central ground point - in my case it is located on the Power Conditioner
Since the Apple TV is not connected "electrically" to the DAC (i.e. only via optical interconnect) and it only has a two-pin plug there is no need to ground it .
I have included a Pre Amp in the diagram in order to show how the interconnect to the Power Amp must be attached.
The power cables to the Phono Stage and DAC are of a “Helix geometry" which rejects RF and requires no screen/shield
What difference does this make? - I found that details in the music became much more noticeable and correctly positioned in the soundstage
The following diagram depicts how "Floating Shield" cables must be connected to the various components in order to maximize their effectiveness
All source components having a two pronged plug must have a supplemental ground wire connecting their chassis to one central ground point - in my case it is located on the Power Conditioner
- UPDATE: I no longer use a power conditioner, it has been replaced with a DIY power distribution panel, but it also has a centralized grounding point.
Since the Apple TV is not connected "electrically" to the DAC (i.e. only via optical interconnect) and it only has a two-pin plug there is no need to ground it .
I have included a Pre Amp in the diagram in order to show how the interconnect to the Power Amp must be attached.
The power cables to the Phono Stage and DAC are of a “Helix geometry" which rejects RF and requires no screen/shield
What difference does this make? - I found that details in the music became much more noticeable and correctly positioned in the soundstage