DIY Ground Box Thread

[EDhaenens]

When I measure is by mass or volume, not weight.

You see everybody has different taste and system needs. Your system could possibly be improved with bass weight and slam. The extra volume of the wrap could produce that. The mineral mix is still balanced so it does not throw the tonal balance off wack. This is one example. This is why I always have suggested DIY, so one can tune the box and possibly now the wrap to each owner’s taste.

I think trying different volumes of the mix is a great idea. I will give that a whirl later today when I get home. This is exactly what I was hoping for, a community that has a common interest that provide info that could lead to further developments or improvements.

I now am making 5 of the lighter wraps and will install them when they are done.

 

[cdacosta]

I now am making 5 of the lighter wraps and will install them when they are done.

Cool, try the different volume and let us know the difference you hear.

 

[cdacosta]

This is double the mineral formula and seems too much but still have to build and test it.

 

[cdacosta]

Yep, twice the formula is too much, muddies the frequencies. I am very sensitive to anything sounding off or wrong across the frequency band. As soon as I installed the old one back we are good to go again. The amount of the mineral mix, which I will explain further is the magic amount. Gives the top end (vocals and up) an airy delicate touch, improves timbre and the lower frequencies from mid bass down a solid weight and punch (AKA slam). While improving detail retrieval. Ok when I say...

* Magnetite - 5 parts (5 parts= one flat spoon full)
* Rochelle Salt - 1.5 parts
* High grade Graphite - 1.5 parts
* Tourmaline powder (I am using Brazilian Tourmaline powder) - 2 parts

What I am saying, Magnetite quantity is one flat spoonful per wrap. One flat spoonful equates to 5 parts. Then add 1.5 parts of Rochelle Salt, 1.5 parts High grade graphite and lastly 2 parts Tourmaline powder (gray substance in pic). 1.5 parts is 30% of the spoon. 2 parts is 40% of the spoon. Yes you can be more precise and use proper measuring tools, I just do not have that at my disposal. All my DIY stuff is in 20+ boxes in storage.

 

[cdacosta]

One more thing I have found is that during the length of the twisted wrap around the cable, you want all of the wrap touching the cable. Velcro in the middle will help if needed. This again enhances the performance and is very audible. I have included three example pics.

 

[EDhaenens]

I finished the light wraps and installed them on all my boxes at once. I used three velcro straps. Let’s give them some time and I’ll report tomorrow.
For measuring amounts I made the mix for 5 wraps at once. 5 scoops magnetite/ 1,5 scoop salt/ 1,5 scoop graphite/ 2 scoops tourmaline. Mix and weigh on a scale and devide by 5. This gives the the most consistent amounts and balance across the wraps. Preparing 10 wraps at once is even easier. This way you have only full spoons when measuring.

 

[cdacosta]

I finished the light wraps and installed them on all my boxes at once. I used three velcro straps. Let’s give them some time and I’ll report tomorrow.
For measuring amounts I made the mix for 5 wraps at once. 5 scoops magnetite/ 1,5 scoop salt/ 1,5 scoop graphite/ 2 scoops tourmaline. Mix and weigh on a scale and devide by 5. This gives the the most consistent amounts and balance across the wraps. Preparing 10 wraps at once is even easier. This way you have only full spoons when measuring.

What is the initial impression of sonic performance vs the three you had before?

 

[EDhaenens]

What is the initial impression of sonic performance vs the three you had before?

I’ll probably have to do some tuning but more precise bass performance, less bloated.
Edit: and colder mid/high

 

[cdacosta]

I’ll probably have to do some tuning but more precise bass performance, less bloated.
Edit: and colder mid/high

Sounds about right. The system needs two days or so to get the tonal shift back to the way it was. Do you hear more information and texturing, especially in the mid to HF frequencies?

 

[EDhaenens]

Mid/high is a bit more clear and louder.

 

[cdacosta]

Mid/high is a bit more clear and louder.

Can you be more specific what “more clear” means?

 

[EDhaenens]

Can you be more specific what “more clear” means?

More detail, recording opens up more. Noise floor dropped too.

 

[cdacosta]

More detail, recording opens up more. Noise floor dropped too.

I see, thanks. Let’s see how it all sounds in a couple of days.

 

[EDhaenens]

GBC wrap update: I missed some body, so I made the spiral a bit shorter, tighter. I can’t believe the difference it makes. This is a whole different beast now.

 

[EDhaenens]

Do you hear more information and texturing, especially in the mid to HF frequencies?

Yes, absolutely.