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My highest respect! Because gluing these small neodymium magnets into such a tiny hemisphere seems quite challenging to me. They either attract or repel each other... and at the same time, determining the polarity of each one! The application of the hemisphere with the magnets inside isn't entirely clear to me yet. Or is it merely about positioning the generated magnetic field in such a way over/near electronics or the grounding box that it serves a specific purpose?i also have a (partial) report:
my 3d printing primer cubes arrived, i paid in the end 55,98 euro for 10 pieces at 50,5% scale, they were cheaper because they came with slight errors from the 3d printer
i probably will use a few for myself, but if one is interested in one hit me up its 6 euro per piece + shipping from germany (you need to source and glue the magnets yourself, you need 5x5x5mm cube ones)
im half done now building one (3 out of 5 rows filled with magnets, waiting for the glue to dry) and the effect is already pretty audible... probably the best standalone tweak i tried since some time but i will do some more listening, tho first impression is it sounds alot "smoother/more natural" than previous neodym tweaks and it also comes with this "immersive" property, speakers literally scaled up in size...
DIY Ground Box Thread
- Thread starter dougms3
- Start date
Ghoostknight
Headphoneus Supremus
if anyone is making these, create some kind of stick (or use a pen) where you somehow attach a magnet on the tip, so you can pick up other magnets with always the same polarity, combined with superglue and holding each magnet for 10-20sec in place this should work out better than my first attempt
well to me neither, but im hearing a difference, which usually tells me that these esoteric tweaks work
if i stay in the esoteric lane, i was also wondering whether the electromagnet field would "repulse" EMF fields, so you could play around with it in combination with piezoelectric crystals..... (or with the orientation with the magnet array around your grounding box)
also david LaPoint demonstrated in one of his video how the magnetfield by two primer cubes combines is essentially what the magnetic field of a atom looks like just an a massively larger scale, where probably some of the esoteric opinions come from
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if you wanna specially talk about the influence of this on hifi devices/cables themself, imo if the field is static you can either apply lose magnets or a certain portion of the field of the magnetic array, it probably isnt "much" different, but overall this highly depends on magnet strength, size, quantity, orientation etc...
as far i remember the backside is barely magnetic, where the "bowl" side pretty agressively points the electromagnetic field like a "bubble" outwards, so its actually "concentrating" the magnetic field into one direction
so in theory "open bowl side towards the device" will give you more magnetic field towards the device than the same amount of "lose magnets"
tho after all regarding the magnetism around devices, im still unsure if you really wanna do this, you might actually alter circuits and what not which the designer definitely didnt intended, some even go trough length "isolating" the magnetic field of transformers and such, so decide/test for yourself
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Another noticeable improvement. This time I stuck several magnets in two pairs between the exterior ground wire that runs from the house circuit breaker to the underground grounding rod. This is the main ground wire that all safety ground wires are connected to before earth ground. It resulted with the audio getting a boost and even the picture quality got nicer. Fuller, deeper and clearer etc… I did not think it could improve upon the previous improvement but it did, not as much, but there is an improvement.
The idea came from the thread’s suggestions to use magnets on the grounding boxes. If that brings results then why not apply magnets on the final grounding line / ground rod? Although I should add that almost all my passive crystal grounding boxes are “pass-through” meaning that I send the signal noise entering the box on to earth ground. But even if your boxes are stand-alone where they do not connect with earth ground, I still recommend this tweak because it will improve the overall electrical system in the home.
Regarding the magnets on the AC mains going into my exterior electrical meter, I followed joscho suggestion to reverse the polarity of the magnets. So now my magnets are north side facing the electrical meter and the south side is facing the ground. I think this contributed as well, I think.
Why do magnets help so much? Do they help move energy, from point a to point b? Why do they help with the AC mains so much? And what effect to magnets have on DC current?
The idea came from the thread’s suggestions to use magnets on the grounding boxes. If that brings results then why not apply magnets on the final grounding line / ground rod? Although I should add that almost all my passive crystal grounding boxes are “pass-through” meaning that I send the signal noise entering the box on to earth ground. But even if your boxes are stand-alone where they do not connect with earth ground, I still recommend this tweak because it will improve the overall electrical system in the home.
Regarding the magnets on the AC mains going into my exterior electrical meter, I followed joscho suggestion to reverse the polarity of the magnets. So now my magnets are north side facing the electrical meter and the south side is facing the ground. I think this contributed as well, I think.
Why do magnets help so much? Do they help move energy, from point a to point b? Why do they help with the AC mains so much? And what effect to magnets have on DC current?
Attachments
May the force be with you
my first version looks a bit messy, best is to use superglue and you might get it together somewhat clean (tho, the more magnets are in the harder it gets to place new ones)
you also see the print errors on the left on the back, its a bit rougher texture, nothing major
the "top" (bowl) side is nicely printed
well i have only tested one so far, imo the effect is already quite noticable, just like other magnet tweaks, but i will definitely test 1 per side (currently i placed it on one of my grounding boxes)
just hit me a PM i will look up shipping cost
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there are some sources if you wanna know more about the "primer cube", tho i havent dived deep myself, it was a new esoteric thing to test and i was still curious about magnetism, so here we are x)
Ghoostknight
Headphoneus Supremus
good question, i have not fully understand it myself
specially with this magnet array it feels more like its actually creating "a bubble" around it you can sense, and it seems to improve audio but on the other hand you can directly influence devices/cables and such, like you are altering how current/noise flows is my suspicion
tho, since i place "this bubble" so far on top of one of my speakers, it could be also that
maybe magnetized electric wires have altered impedance or such
one would need to actually test for these things, so we get a clear picture what actually improves the wiring objectively, i already looked out for somee studys researching magnetism and electricity but i havent found any good examples so far
i just know some designer exactly look out for having low magnetic interference...
Ghoostknight
Headphoneus Supremus
oh impedance was the right keyword, look at this: https://voltage-disturbance.com/gro...e-in-earth-ground-wire-due-to-magnetic-field/
So.. im still somewhat unsure, i dont think a few magnets will do much harm but in theory you could make your groundsystem run "out of specifications" if you overdo the magnet tweaks
So.. im still somewhat unsure, i dont think a few magnets will do much harm but in theory you could make your groundsystem run "out of specifications" if you overdo the magnet tweaks
Here are some possible effects that could explain this:
Magnetic field control: Magnets can influence the behavior of electrical currents and fields. In grounding systems, a magnet could help reduce disruptive electromagnetic fields or unwanted magnetic interference. This could lead to cleaner power supply and thus less noise and distortion.
Reduction of microvibrations: In some cases, it is argued that magnets could dampen microvibrations in the cables or electrical connections. Since vibrations can degrade signal quality, this could lead to clearer, more uncolored sound reproduction, especially in audio systems.
Conditioning of electron flow: One theory suggests that magnets may influence the movement of electrons in electrical wires. This could help “organize” and stabilize the electrical flow, leading to better signal transmission. A more consistent current flow would improve the performance of both audio and video signals.
Elimination of stray currents: Grounding systems are designed to drain off electrical disturbances. Stray currents caused by electromagnetic interference could be minimized by magnets, leading to improved sound and video signals.
Vibration damping: If magnets are attached to cables or grounding systems, they could also indirectly reduce vibrations in the structure of the system. Since you've identified vibration control as a key factor for sound quality, this could be another way magnets positively affect the listening experience.
Magnetic field control: Magnets can influence the behavior of electrical currents and fields. In grounding systems, a magnet could help reduce disruptive electromagnetic fields or unwanted magnetic interference. This could lead to cleaner power supply and thus less noise and distortion.
Reduction of microvibrations: In some cases, it is argued that magnets could dampen microvibrations in the cables or electrical connections. Since vibrations can degrade signal quality, this could lead to clearer, more uncolored sound reproduction, especially in audio systems.
Conditioning of electron flow: One theory suggests that magnets may influence the movement of electrons in electrical wires. This could help “organize” and stabilize the electrical flow, leading to better signal transmission. A more consistent current flow would improve the performance of both audio and video signals.
Elimination of stray currents: Grounding systems are designed to drain off electrical disturbances. Stray currents caused by electromagnetic interference could be minimized by magnets, leading to improved sound and video signals.
Vibration damping: If magnets are attached to cables or grounding systems, they could also indirectly reduce vibrations in the structure of the system. Since you've identified vibration control as a key factor for sound quality, this could be another way magnets positively affect the listening experience.
The light got brighter!
Inspired by diystereo, I placed 8 neodymium magnets right in front of the cellaroutput to the Garden leading to the 9-meter deep ground rod of my house, as shown in the attached images. While doing so, the light flickered briefly and has been shining brighter ever since. I removed the magnets and placed them again. Once more, there was a brief flicker before the light remained brighter. Incredible. In this basement room, I’m using an old 40-watt incandescent bulb with an E27 socket. I've also attached pictures of the magnets positioned at the entry point of the main cable leading from below into the meter cabinet.
Today, my magnet polarity tester will arrive... which polarity is preferable? Should the north pole be facing toward the meter cabinet, meaning upwards?
While placing the ring magnets around the cable entry into the meter cabinet a week ago, I didn’t notice this effect. But this room is equipped with a fluorescent tube light...
Inspired by diystereo, I placed 8 neodymium magnets right in front of the cellaroutput to the Garden leading to the 9-meter deep ground rod of my house, as shown in the attached images. While doing so, the light flickered briefly and has been shining brighter ever since. I removed the magnets and placed them again. Once more, there was a brief flicker before the light remained brighter. Incredible. In this basement room, I’m using an old 40-watt incandescent bulb with an E27 socket. I've also attached pictures of the magnets positioned at the entry point of the main cable leading from below into the meter cabinet.
Today, my magnet polarity tester will arrive... which polarity is preferable? Should the north pole be facing toward the meter cabinet, meaning upwards?
While placing the ring magnets around the cable entry into the meter cabinet a week ago, I didn’t notice this effect. But this room is equipped with a fluorescent tube light...
Attachments
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Ghoostknight
Headphoneus Supremus
also did this tweak:
its definitely a audible change, im just still unsure whether the change is positive or negative, imo you dont want a high impedance ground, it should be low impedance for every frequency, so noise can "flow" easly towards ground, think about impedance like a frequency dependent resistance...
Edit: on the left bottom corner you see the thick power cable incoming.... and now talking about this, a high impedance towards THIS ground might actually bring some benefits, less noise entering your house due to high impedance... (tho you should check whether your local earth-rod is installed properly and offers a good connection)
its definitely a audible change, im just still unsure whether the change is positive or negative, imo you dont want a high impedance ground, it should be low impedance for every frequency, so noise can "flow" easly towards ground, think about impedance like a frequency dependent resistance...
Edit: on the left bottom corner you see the thick power cable incoming.... and now talking about this, a high impedance towards THIS ground might actually bring some benefits, less noise entering your house due to high impedance... (tho you should check whether your local earth-rod is installed properly and offers a good connection)
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laughing ... Now people probably think that all Germans have piles of neodymium magnets lying around at home ... grinning ... by the way, my system sounds phenomenal right now ... could it be because of the magnets? Maybe...
cdacosta
Headphoneus Supremus
Have been experimenting with magnets since it has been mentioned in this thread. For me, does lower noise floor but is more of a blacker background. There is a point audibly that changes the presentation. There is point it makes the presentation of the system less warm and inviting and more hifi sounding. Definitely worth experimenting with this tweak since it is so inexpensive and easy to do. Around the breaker(s) at the panel and on top of ground boxes is where I have been happy with this tweak. Can over do it. I do not know or understand the science behind what I am hearing. It seems that the magnets are improving the flow of electrons.also did this tweak:
its definitely a audible change, im just still unsure whether the change is positive or negative, imo you dont want a high impedance ground, it should be low impedance for every frequency, so noise can "flow" easly towards ground, think about impedance like a frequency dependent resistance...
Edit: on the left bottom corner you see the thick power cable incoming.... and now talking about this, a high impedance towards THIS ground might actually bring some benefits, less noise entering your house due to high impedance... (tho you should check whether your local earth-rod is installed properly and offers a good connection)
On top of the ground box the more magnets (or stronger the pull) changes the presentation, even on just one ground box. Sounds best with the polarity of the magnet offering the strongest attraction toward the ground box. Likely the more resolving a system, the more obvious the change within this application.
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Ghoostknight
Headphoneus Supremus
in terms of magnets around groundboxes and such, imo there is no need to worry objectively
i was mainly just worried, since we are playing currently with the mains/ground conntection for the entire house, worst case on the ground would be too high impedance, so it wouldnt pass the test by the electrician (again)
atleast im careful with the earthrod tweaks here, if you do it i wouldnt excessively use magnets on there..
but i just used my primer cube on the mains earth cable 10 minutes ago.... the difference with it is pretty massive
i think its actually perfect for this kind of application, and you could even build smaller ones than the ones i have.... i imagine even one with 20 magnets "concentrating the magnetic field" makes a noticeable difference
Ghoostknight
Headphoneus Supremus
after A/Bing 2-3 times i could also swear the music sounds more engaging, somewhat clearer more precise, better soundstage, more definition in the bass....but i just used my primer cube on the mains earth cable 10 minutes ago.... the difference with it is pretty massive
cdacosta
Headphoneus Supremus
Oyaide NRF-005T non-magnetic noise reduction tape. About 60% through the first roll, and just ordered a second roll. Hint, I like the product.
Almost everything mentioned and discussed in this thread has a similar theme, it is about lowering the noise to improve system performance. But all the different tweaks and devices effect the sonic performance of the audio system differently. Oyaide NRF-005T is also such a tweak, but again is different. Aside when I tried it on the Ethernet cable, does not effect the original signal like any EMI/EMF absorbing or shielding material.
The material is 15mm wide and comes as a 4m roll. The material itself is very thin, soft and pliable. Has a fairly strong adhesive backing. On the side of the box is a ruler from 0 - 50mm. On cables I used 40mm length for thinner cables and 50mm length for thicker cables. Installing the tape is as simple as cleaning/wiping the cable surface with 91% isopropyl alcohol and wrapping the tape around the cable. The effect of the tape can be heard immediately but takes about 20 mins or so to settle in. I spent probably 15 hours testing and critically listening. There are many places that can be possible good candidates for installation of this material. I have only tried some cables and a couple of locations inside the DAC so far.
What does installing at the two ends of the below listed cables do?
- Improves instrument and sound location separation.
- Improves timbre and realism of what is heard. Like a piano note, the bite and sound of the decay, more immersive difference in sound and experience listening to the different keys being played. Wood boards being walked on, realism and focus of the creaking sound of the wood. You do not hear more, what you hear feels more to real life, or more life like.
- Vocal purity, nuance and clarity is improved.
- Decay of notes or sounds have more air. Also better awareness of size of venue. I can now sometimes hear decaying notes or sounds bounce off objects in the recording venue in tracks I have not heard this effect before.
- Improved dynamics. Depends on what I am listening to I was surprised at how well the amp controlled the drivers to produce such a sonic effect.
- Nuance and focus of vocals and individual instruments. Even when listing to an orchestra, each of the different instruments are better defined and separated.
- System feels more resolving with a more beautiful presentation. But the odd thing is I do not think there is more information. It is like the system can better decode the information it is receiving.
The above happens at about 0.5 - 1% per application or cable install. What I am trying to convey is after 16 installs, I got approx. 9% performance boost (effects listed above). May not seem like much but trust me is obvious enough for me to buy a second roll. I listened critically after each install before installing the tape on another cable to hear for any changes.
Where I have installed the Oyaide NRF-005T. Many more to try, including inside gear.
- 11 ground cables. Have 4 more to go.
- Ethernet cable. Did not like it here so I removed it. Made the system sound more rich but felt like I lost resolution.
- Internet feed Coax to router.
- SPDIF coax cable
- Across panel data ribbon cable in DAC
- One end of SATA SSD cable inside PC (source)
- Balanced headphone cable. Installed at the amp end and on each of the two ends that attach to the headphone.
- Three video cables from PC to three 25" monitors. Very nice, literally upgraded the video. Richer and deeper colors. Also was like the resolution was doubled. There is nothing special about these video cables, they are the freebee cables that came with the monitors.
In summary, if someone has at least a fairly resolving system, I highly recommend trying this product. By the way, the pic is from my iPhone 12 mini with the tape installed, reducing the pic size to post and from YouTube. The iPhone camera is not really that good but should give you an idea.
Almost everything mentioned and discussed in this thread has a similar theme, it is about lowering the noise to improve system performance. But all the different tweaks and devices effect the sonic performance of the audio system differently. Oyaide NRF-005T is also such a tweak, but again is different. Aside when I tried it on the Ethernet cable, does not effect the original signal like any EMI/EMF absorbing or shielding material.
The material is 15mm wide and comes as a 4m roll. The material itself is very thin, soft and pliable. Has a fairly strong adhesive backing. On the side of the box is a ruler from 0 - 50mm. On cables I used 40mm length for thinner cables and 50mm length for thicker cables. Installing the tape is as simple as cleaning/wiping the cable surface with 91% isopropyl alcohol and wrapping the tape around the cable. The effect of the tape can be heard immediately but takes about 20 mins or so to settle in. I spent probably 15 hours testing and critically listening. There are many places that can be possible good candidates for installation of this material. I have only tried some cables and a couple of locations inside the DAC so far.
What does installing at the two ends of the below listed cables do?
- Improves instrument and sound location separation.
- Improves timbre and realism of what is heard. Like a piano note, the bite and sound of the decay, more immersive difference in sound and experience listening to the different keys being played. Wood boards being walked on, realism and focus of the creaking sound of the wood. You do not hear more, what you hear feels more to real life, or more life like.
- Vocal purity, nuance and clarity is improved.
- Decay of notes or sounds have more air. Also better awareness of size of venue. I can now sometimes hear decaying notes or sounds bounce off objects in the recording venue in tracks I have not heard this effect before.
- Improved dynamics. Depends on what I am listening to I was surprised at how well the amp controlled the drivers to produce such a sonic effect.
- Nuance and focus of vocals and individual instruments. Even when listing to an orchestra, each of the different instruments are better defined and separated.
- System feels more resolving with a more beautiful presentation. But the odd thing is I do not think there is more information. It is like the system can better decode the information it is receiving.
The above happens at about 0.5 - 1% per application or cable install. What I am trying to convey is after 16 installs, I got approx. 9% performance boost (effects listed above). May not seem like much but trust me is obvious enough for me to buy a second roll. I listened critically after each install before installing the tape on another cable to hear for any changes.
Where I have installed the Oyaide NRF-005T. Many more to try, including inside gear.
- 11 ground cables. Have 4 more to go.
- Ethernet cable. Did not like it here so I removed it. Made the system sound more rich but felt like I lost resolution.
- Internet feed Coax to router.
- SPDIF coax cable
- Across panel data ribbon cable in DAC
- One end of SATA SSD cable inside PC (source)
- Balanced headphone cable. Installed at the amp end and on each of the two ends that attach to the headphone.
- Three video cables from PC to three 25" monitors. Very nice, literally upgraded the video. Richer and deeper colors. Also was like the resolution was doubled. There is nothing special about these video cables, they are the freebee cables that came with the monitors.
In summary, if someone has at least a fairly resolving system, I highly recommend trying this product. By the way, the pic is from my iPhone 12 mini with the tape installed, reducing the pic size to post and from YouTube. The iPhone camera is not really that good but should give you an idea.
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