DIY Ground Box Thread

[cdacosta]

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.

I think I mentioned a closer spiral will provide more body. And if more spread out accents top end.

In your system, do you like it better with the volume of minerals I specify/recommend or the way you originally made them?

 

[EDhaenens]

I think I mentioned a closer spiral will provide more body. And if more spread out accents top end.

In your system, do you like it better with the volume of minerals I specify/recommend or the way you originally made them?

At the moment I like it the best with the lighter wraps tightly spiralled. It has the best bass detail and bass power without being bloated.

 

[cdacosta]

Another GBC Enhancement Wrap update...

I wrote earlier that I did not like the GBC Enhancement Wrap on the ground box cables for the XLR interconnects. Well playing around with the amount used and installation I found something I really like. Adds air, micro detail, a tad of top end extension and a touch of delicacy that is very nice. I included pics of what I did. Calling it a Mini version. Basically about 1/3 of the same mix in a small baggie placed on top of the cable as in the pic secured in place with Velcro. Initial impression I really like, will likely have a break-in as with the other 13 of the full wraps installed.

 

[cdacosta]

Recently I have had a few PMs from members that I think are a bit confused between the differences between a passive Ground Box, Magnetite Power Cable Wraps, GBC Enhancement Wraps and cable mods. So for those that do not quite understand the differences, lets briefly discuss the differences...

First, all four will very audibly change what you hear from your system. All four are applied differently in a system and have different tasks. Since modding a interconnect (XLR or RCA), SPDIF RCA/BNC or power cable is part of this family of upgrades, I will touch on it also. I have offered in detail DIY recipes for all four in this thread.

* The simplest is the Magnetite Power Cable Wraps. They are bags 6" or so in length filled with Magnetite. This bag is wrapped or placed in such a way will sandwich or surround a power cable. Installation is at the center along the length of the power cable. Power cable will generate a magnetic field along the length of the cable. The Magnetite Wrap displaces this magnetic field. This is a simple and inexpensive tweak that will upgrade the performance of your power cables. Want to upgrade your power cables and system in minutes, try this. The performance offered with these wraps are about 1/3 of one of my recipe DIY ground boxes (before the GBC Enhancement Wraps). And can be used on a modded power cable which is discussed below.

* The next simplest is the GBC Enhancement Wraps. GBC stands for Ground Box Cable. This wrap is installed on the ground box cable to enhance overall performance of a ground box. I introduced this wrap just recently. Does require 4 different minerals to make, which makes it a bit more involved than the Magnetite Power Cable Wraps. Performance boost of one of these wraps is about 40% to 50% to one of my DIY Ground Boxes. Cannot gauge or comment how they will effect retail units. I hope members try and comment.

* Passive Ground Box. The most complicated of the the three to build if one wants maximum performance from one's system. This device is used to drain/sink noise from a component's signal ground, earth ground or from the modded cables (mentioned below). The effect of draining noise from a component(s) can be system transformative. Especially from digital gear like a DAC. I have 12 of these devices in my system which filter almost every part of my system. The more of these devices properly installed in a system, the more information is heard and the more refined your system gets.

* Interconnect (XLR or RCA) and RCA/BNC based digital cable mod. What you are essentially doing is upgrading the performance of the cable. Firstly by removing solder from the cable to connector by using a solderless connector. Then adding a ground box cable to the source side of the cable, so it can be filtered by a ground box. With the addition of a good ground box, the output stage of the component (likely a DAC) and interconnect will also be filtered. This mod is an awesome cable upgrade, especially if the ground box is well designed. The performance increase will likely shock most audiophiles.

* Power Cable mod. This is a simple mod. The mod consists of adding a ground box cable to the ground connection of a AC connector or IEC connector. Purpose is to be able to connect to a ground box. Which side of the power cable to connect to the ground box is determined by what you want to filter. For example, I have modded the IEC side of a power cable attached to an amp, so I can filter the cable and amp's power supply. In a different mod, I modded the AC connector side to filter the main cable attached to a Oyaide R1 outlet at the wall. For the power cable used for the PC (system's source), the IEC end is modded so I can filter the PC power supply and cable. I think you get the gist.

Lowering the signal ground and earth ground noise within a system, will dramatically improve the performance of a system. To the extent once heard, I doubt anyone would go back. By combining or using the above tweaks or filtering techniques, will profoundly effect ones system performance. In this thread DIY recipes and in depth step by step instructions are offered for free. Alternatively Entreq offers variants also. Most of my DIY designs are based originally on Entreq's retail offerings. CAD is another well known brand in Europe, but they offer mainly the ground box. There are Chinese made ground boxes but I have not experienced them.

 

[cdacosta]

Update on Mini Wraps on modded interconnects - Tuning

These Mini wraps were installed yesterday. Listening to the system today I can confirm there is a minor break-in like with the standard wraps. Works well, I like the addition of them for this application.

With my never ending curiosity, what if-ing everything and need to tinker, I found out something interesting. By sliding the wraps along the length of the ground box cable the system can be slightly tuned. Oddly if only on one channel (there are two channels, L & R) the wrap is moved both channels are effected. This means both wrap placements can be slid up or down the cables for varying effects without effecting channel imbalance. Sliding the wrap(s) closer to the middle of the cable gives a tad more body or weight to the presentation. Keeping the wrap(s) closer to the connector at the ground box accentuates top end, without a tonal imbalance. Allowing for adjustment so one can tune for desired balance. I will wait until these wraps/system is fully settled in to do a final adjustment or placement of the wraps. The pic shows placement that allows the system to sound the best as of now.

 

[EDhaenens]

Ok, I finally finished my first rca cable mod.

For this rca cable mod I used a Furutech FA-13S cable with the recommended fake connectors and grounding wire. As a beginner I had a lot of work with this, probably some 8-10 hours to complete fully ( starting from scratch to final installation). With the guidance of @cdacosta I made this work. Thank you again for all your time .
This FA-13S cable has a shield which is twisted with the grounding wire. Fitting the cable and grounding wire+shield into the negative terminal of the connector costed me some time. I had to cut the jackets back some to get the wires closer together and make it fit and used heat shrink as a strain relief.

These are my first impressions in the first 15 minutes of play time and considering everything is new. I am comparing to my fake Audioquest Thunderbird rca cable which I consider my best cable to this day. The cable is used between streamer and amp.

A bit more detail, as well in de high notes as in bass.
A bit more texture and layering
A bit better placement and space
A little more ease
Same bass slam
Sounds a bit slower

This cable already overclasses my previous rca cable by a small margin but very noticeable. I know how much this will change over time so I am looking forward to the fully broken in version. Stay tuned…

 

[cdacosta]

Ok, I finally finished my first rca cable mod.




For this rca cable mod I used a Furutech FA-13S cable with the recommended fake connectors and grounding wire. As a beginner I had a lot of work with this, probably some 8-10 hours to complete fully ( starting from scratch to final installation). With the guidance of @cdacosta I made this work. Thank you again for all your time .
This FA-13S cable has a shield which is twisted with the grounding wire. Fitting the cable and grounding wire+shield into the negative terminal of the connector costed me some time. I had to cut the jackets back some to get the wires closer together and make it fit and used heat shrink as a strain relief.



These are my first impressions in the first 15 minutes of play time and considering everything is new. I am comparing to my fake Audioquest Thunderbird rca cable which I consider my best cable to this day. The cable is used between streamer and amp.

A bit more detail, as well in de high notes as in bass.
A bit more texture and layering
A bit better placement and space
A little more ease
Same bass slam
Sounds a bit slower

This cable already overclasses my previous rca cable by a small margin but very noticeable. I know how much this will change over time so I am looking forward to the fully broken in version. Stay tuned…

Pretty nice for your first DIY interconnect, good job! Your first few interconnects take longer to build. Understanding, rechecking, learning and studying details during construction extends build time. We did not discuss this during your build but I am fairly sure that was going on in your mind.

I have never used Furutech's FA-13S. Furutech's wire and original connectors usually have a warmer and darker tonality. But people I know that have used the wire, said the FA-13S is a more open and balanced wire vs Furutech's FA-21S or FA-22S. The interconnect build (interconnect, ground box build and Nano Liquid) will take time to settle-in. Once it all does settle-in, presentation should open up and sound more organic and all flow better. Be aware though, Furutech wire takes a long time to fully burn-in. Since I am not familiar with the FA-13S wire, I do not know how long it will take.

After burn-in the interesting part comes. As you already have experienced, the ground box can be tuned if you wish. Also what can be done to further tune or enhance the interconnect is the Mini wraps I recently posted about. For the Mini wraps I would try a total mineral volume for each Mini wrap, between 25% to 33% of the GBC Enhancement Wrap. Knowing that you are very curious and specific in regards to your system, I have another suggestion regarding the Mini Wraps. You can start with a 33% mix. Once you understand what these wraps do within your system, you can try different volumes of minerals per wrap to further tune. This is easy and fast to do since the Mini Wrap is just the mix of minerals in a small zip lock bag. If you do not have small zip lock bags, you can use the minerals wrapped with the Cling Wrap like with the GBC Enhancement Wraps.

 

[Boodle]

I am about to assemble my first Ground Box. I have the following:
magnetite - granular and powder
graphite powder
rochelle salt
rock salt
tourmaline chips
I am still waiting for shunghite chips 5-10 mm. Could not get tungsten powder. All other items have been received.
could cdcosta please let me know if i need to mix all the minerals together before putting them in the Ground Box Or do I put them in layers.
I have the Ali Express Odin 2 BNC to BNC connecting my Naim server to the Chord Qutest Dac, how do connect the 14 guage ground cable to the BNC connector at the Dac end, will I need to remove a bit of the insulation near the connector and press fit or wedge the ground cable there?
Thanks.

 

[cdacosta]

I am about to assemble my first Ground Box. I have the following:
magnetite - granular and powder
graphite powder
rochelle salt
rock salt
tourmaline chips
I am still waiting for shunghite chips 5-10 mm. Could not get tungsten powder. All other items have been received.
could cdcosta please let me know if i need to mix all the minerals together before putting them in the Ground Box Or do I put them in layers.
I have the Ali Express Odin 2 BNC to BNC connecting my Naim server to the Chord Qutest Dac, how do connect the 14 guage ground cable to the BNC connector at the Dac end, will I need to remove a bit of the insulation near the connector and press fit or wedge the ground cable there?
Thanks.

Ground Box application

Based on your questions, lets start with the ground box application. DAC is an excellent choice for the first ground box. Signal ground is the best place to start. Feels like you are thinking that filtering the BNC cable linking your server to DAC will or may yield best results. This is likely true, but you also have another option on a Chord Qutest. The Qutest has two BNC inputs. If you are not using both you can test the performance first by easily wrapping the ground cable around the other BNC input (ground) and securing with a plastic wire tie. This is before you properly affix a ground cable to the Odin 2 BNC cable. I would need to see a pic of the Odin 2 cable to be able to tell you what I would do. I need to see how the Odin 2 cable is constructed.

Here is another suggestion. Since in your situation there are a few different install options that would yield differing performance results, install a pure copper binding post. This is so you can test the different install options easily. Off the top of my head, ground box can be installed on server end likely by RCA, Qutest at BNC connector or cable mod. A binding post will allow for more flexibility and cable rolling if you wish.

What wire are you using for ground box cable? If you are using the wire I suggest 6N OCC copper, if wiring to a cable directly, use a single 14ga. If wiring directly to the other unused BNC connector use dual twisted 14ga (11AWG).

Box Mix

Place the minerals directly into the box, no need to pre-mix, too messy. What I do is 30% or so of the box with Magnetite first. Then a portion of the other ingredients, mix all together slowly. I say slowly because the wire strands will be in the way and all over the interior of the box, and to minimize mineral dust. Then Magnetite to about 75% of the box and the rest of the mineral mix. Mix all together slowly. At this point you will have the box filled to about 80%. I would wait until this mix settles in your system, hear what it sounds like and then tune from there if you wish.

 

[Boodle]

Thank your for your response.
I will try the second BNC input on the Dac with a ground cable as suggested by you, to start with before attempting to modify the actual AE Odin coax.
yes, I have got binding posts for the Ground Box- AE high quality ones with solder less connection - hopefully double or triple 14 guage will engage the Allen screw On the binding post.
once the GB is done then the next project will be to mod the AE Odin Gold xlr from preamp to power amp, I already have the Eizz connectors but I will need a second GB, so one step at a time, I am a GB rookie.
thanks for your invaluable help.

 

[cdacosta]

Thank your for your response.
I will try the second BNC input on the Dac with a ground cable as suggested by you, to start with before attempting to modify the actual AE Odin coax.
yes, I have got binding posts for the Ground Box- AE high quality ones with solder less connection - hopefully double or triple 14 guage will engage the Allen screw On the binding post.
once the GB is done then the next project will be to mod the AE Odin Gold xlr from preamp to power amp, I already have the Eizz connectors but I will need a second GB, so one step at a time, I am a GB rookie.
thanks for your invaluable help.

Your plan sounds solid. The binding post should support three 14ga. wires. Cut them 10" in length for the interior wire of the box. This is the boring part of the build but worth it. Make sure you separate as much of the conductors from each other as possible. Spread out the wire to cover the inside of the box to get the most coverage. Clean the wires with a paper towel and 91% or stronger isopropyl alcohol. If you have Furutech Nano Liquid, use it on all mechanical connections except the internal box wires. Nano Liquid can be used on internal box bare conductors but is not needed.

 

[Boodle]

Thanks. I do have Furutech Nano Liquid and will use it on the mechanical connections, you are dead right it takes 72 hours to come on song. I will try not to touch the internal bare wires by wearing gloves and also give them a clean with alcohol.
Thanks again.

 

[cdacosta]

Thanks. I do have Furutech Nano Liquid and will use it on the mechanical connections, you are dead right it takes 72 hours to come on song. I will try not to touch the internal bare wires by wearing gloves and also give them a clean with alcohol.
Thanks again.

My pleasure. I am glad to see fellow audiophiles start to experience and benefit from passive ground box concepts. Have fun, should be very interesting project and experience for you.

By the way, if you do not or cannot get Tourmaline powder to make the GBC Enhancement Wraps, you can try crushing smaller pieces of Tourmaline. Or use a hammer to turn small pieces to powder. The GBC Enhancement Wraps do make a big difference and are super easy to make. Especially since you have the other ingredients already.

 

[Jake2]

It's an AliX copper fiesta here... a bit of experimentation with shielding component internals and cables and grounding 'tubes' to ensue. The copper tubes are thin-walled, 0.5mm thick so firm but easily hand formable. My stereo is going to look quite steam-punk with them connected in testing. Will they sound any good compared to the 6N ground cables, who knows/probably not given supposed purity difference 3N vs 6N, but a fun experiment.

The white tube is a thin-walled hollow PTFE tube as an experimental substrate for the large braided sleeve (~5-6ga equivalent) OR higher purity Mundorf foil. Everything else is copper in a range of gauges/thicknesses so I could experiment with what is most formable and/or holds its structure across wider spans in the case of shielding. I see some Tin snips in my future...

 

[kenincalgary]

Amazing! Where do you get copper materials like that?