Has anyone tested different ground wires? I’m using AQ Thunderbird ground goodies but I am curious if upgrading to Dragon would improve the system
Ground Wire Comparison
- Thread starter Peter Bomberg
- Start date
did you find whether the directionality as indicated by AQ is correct?
what's the sonic differences when directionality is swapped?
what's the sonic differences when directionality is swapped?
I have tried several different ground wires. CAD, Nordost green and black. Shunyata, Reiki, Turnbull, DIY home made…. Unfortunately they all perform differently. You have to pick one that sounds the best in each implementation. Direction is important.
Which ground box are you using?
Which ground box are you using?
The most transformative ground wire I ever heard was from Turnbull. We were using CAD boxes (GC3.1, 1.1). What this ground cable did to the sound was unbelievable. I was just as big as changing out a power cable or speaker cables. Sometimes we have these experiences in audio that resets a bar of what to expect to a much higher level. This was one of those times. But he has not released it as an official product yet. Maybe later this year.
If you are working with a dealer then get him let you try different cables to find one you like.
I see from you signature that you are moving from JRDG to CH Precision. The CAD USB Ground control "dongle" works very well in the USB service ports on the CH gear. And if you are plugging the CH into a network then the CAD Ethernet conrol works extremely well in that slot.
I already use a CAD USB control with my CH P L1, nice addition, indeed.
I have read about the CAD ethernet control, too.
I use a network with my CH P amps only for setup, so no need for the ethernet control here.
I had considered the CAD ethernet control in my Taiko streaming chain and had asked about that in the Taiko Extreme thread - but answers were not encouraging.
Turnbull doesn’t have dealers in Europe and doesn’t offer email contact.
Maybe I should contact an overseas dealer.
I will try some diy wires for the beginning. Your advice here, copper/silver/multistrand/solidcore/gauge?
Last but not least: thx for your contributions here and in other threads which I have found interesting and helpful for me!
Cheers, Ulrich
I have read about the CAD ethernet control, too.
I use a network with my CH P amps only for setup, so no need for the ethernet control here.
I had considered the CAD ethernet control in my Taiko streaming chain and had asked about that in the Taiko Extreme thread - but answers were not encouraging.
Turnbull doesn’t have dealers in Europe and doesn’t offer email contact.
Maybe I should contact an overseas dealer.
I will try some diy wires for the beginning. Your advice here, copper/silver/multistrand/solidcore/gauge?
Last but not least: thx for your contributions here and in other threads which I have found interesting and helpful for me!
Cheers, Ulrich
I would be surprised if the Taiko server did not respond positivey to adding a CAD ground control like the GC1.1 or GC3.1. One thing to consider. The GC3.1 has 6 inputs. Be aware of what all is being plugged into them. Try just the Taiko and then maybe the switch and then maybe the DAC. Be careful plugging the preamp ground into the same ground box that has a bunch of digital noise being dumped into it.
One other thing to consider. All of the CH gear has that ethernet port. As I mentioned, if you are using it, then either an Aardvark Ultra or the CAD Ethernet control is the way to go. But if you are not using it to connect to the network then I highly recommend the Chord Company Ground Aray RJ45. It works great! And since it works on a slightly different noise profile it is a nice compliment to the CAD USB "dongle".
All of my CH gear has a CAD USB, a Chord Company Ground Aray RJ45 and is connected to a CAD GCR.
One other thing to consider. All of the CH gear has that ethernet port. As I mentioned, if you are using it, then either an Aardvark Ultra or the CAD Ethernet control is the way to go. But if you are not using it to connect to the network then I highly recommend the Chord Company Ground Aray RJ45. It works great! And since it works on a slightly different noise profile it is a nice compliment to the CAD USB "dongle".
All of my CH gear has a CAD USB, a Chord Company Ground Aray RJ45 and is connected to a CAD GCR.
Sorry, there is a misunderstanding.
Taiko community did not encourage using a CAD ETHERNET control in the signal chain, at the input of the Taiko router (only direct attach cables after that to the Taiko Extreme).
I do plan to connect the Taiko Extreme to the GC3.1.
I do not plan to use an ethernet cable network for my CH P L1, X1 or A1.5 other than for setup and then to remove it.
Mr. Scott Berry‘s advice:
„My recommendations for the GC3.1 are:
To your Stromtank vis the USB A Service port and/or the Earth connector with a 4mm banana plug
To your Taiko Extreme via an unused mainboard USB A port
To your CH Precision L1 via the Chassis/digital connector with 4mm banana
To your CH Precision X1 via the USB A port
To your Sean Jacobs mini arc6 dc4 power supply via a 4mm banana – some units have a chassis connection OR to your CH Precision A1.5 amp Chassis connector via a 4mm banana
Possibly to your Furutech 609 ncf AC via an unused Schuko power outlet (this must be tested to hear the results)
My recommendation for your GC1.1 would be your Klyne 7 phono stage via the Turntable Ground connection with a 4mm banana plug.
With a system of your complexity and resolution I encourage you to try different connections points. I am relatively sure my recommendations will be close, but every system and environment is different so I always recommend experimentation.“
T+A DAC: there is a Taiko Setchi on a usb port.
Taiko setchi also on REL and Stromtank chassis and CH P A1.5 chassis ground.
I do like what they do.
Due to RG‘s and your comments regarding the Groundaray rj45 … there is already one of these on it’s way to me
L1 I think might be best connected with banana at it’s chassis ground to the GC3.1?
Thx a lot again for your insight!
Cheers, Ulrich
Taiko community did not encourage using a CAD ETHERNET control in the signal chain, at the input of the Taiko router (only direct attach cables after that to the Taiko Extreme).
I do plan to connect the Taiko Extreme to the GC3.1.
I do not plan to use an ethernet cable network for my CH P L1, X1 or A1.5 other than for setup and then to remove it.
Mr. Scott Berry‘s advice:
„My recommendations for the GC3.1 are:
To your Stromtank vis the USB A Service port and/or the Earth connector with a 4mm banana plug
To your Taiko Extreme via an unused mainboard USB A port
To your CH Precision L1 via the Chassis/digital connector with 4mm banana
To your CH Precision X1 via the USB A port
To your Sean Jacobs mini arc6 dc4 power supply via a 4mm banana – some units have a chassis connection OR to your CH Precision A1.5 amp Chassis connector via a 4mm banana
Possibly to your Furutech 609 ncf AC via an unused Schuko power outlet (this must be tested to hear the results)
My recommendation for your GC1.1 would be your Klyne 7 phono stage via the Turntable Ground connection with a 4mm banana plug.
With a system of your complexity and resolution I encourage you to try different connections points. I am relatively sure my recommendations will be close, but every system and environment is different so I always recommend experimentation.“
T+A DAC: there is a Taiko Setchi on a usb port.
Taiko setchi also on REL and Stromtank chassis and CH P A1.5 chassis ground.
I do like what they do.
Due to RG‘s and your comments regarding the Groundaray rj45 … there is already one of these on it’s way to me
L1 I think might be best connected with banana at it’s chassis ground to the GC3.1?
Thx a lot again for your insight!
Cheers, Ulrich
Last edited:
Back to topic?
Dear sbnx and others:
Would you please comment on sonic character of different ground wires?
Your experience would be helpful!
With CAD GC3.1 and 1.1 I still need a few more wires.
I will try to acquire the newer CAD wires, Nordost qkore green and black “premium” are available here and have my interest.
Which diy experiments went well, which not so?
Dear sbnx and others:
Would you please comment on sonic character of different ground wires?
Your experience would be helpful!
With CAD GC3.1 and 1.1 I still need a few more wires.
I will try to acquire the newer CAD wires, Nordost qkore green and black “premium” are available here and have my interest.
Which diy experiments went well, which not so?
With CAD GC1.1 I’m experimenting Russ Andrews ground wires
www.russandrews.com
Compared to CAD wires my first take is positive sonically speaking and are easier to manage behind the rack, too. I mean, they sound as good as the original CAD ones, no audible differences at the moment, at a fraction of the cost.
Technical Ground Weave
Russ Andrews Technical Ground Weave 8 woven conductors for an effective ground path.Kimber high-purity copper Counter opposed helix geometrySuperior 4mm Nickel Banana plug. Polyethylene insulation Our Technical Ground Weave cable is used in conjunction with our |RF...
Compared to CAD wires my first take is positive sonically speaking and are easier to manage behind the rack, too. I mean, they sound as good as the original CAD ones, no audible differences at the moment, at a fraction of the cost.
I don’t think he has a distributor in europe. Submit an email on the webpage and he will respond to you.
www.turnbullaudio.com
Turnbull Audio | Luxury Audio Cables | Power Refined
Elevating Sound to its Purest Form. Turnbull Audio Prestige product line sets the benchmark in luxury audio, serving as a foundation for innovation and inspiration.
www.turnbullaudio.com
This is something you are not going to want to hear. It is a case by case basis. I have had specific spots where the Nordost green sounded better than the black. I have had places where the CAD sounded best. It seems that it just depends on how that component is interacting with the ground box. I used to believe DIY wire was just as good as anything else. I tried to make a few and none of mine sounded as good.
@sbnx: groan … no, that wasn’t what we wanted to hear
@Ampman: Tiglon is available at Volker Kühn, black forest audio.
Tell him Ulrich B. sent you!
www.blackforestaudio.de
@Ampman: Tiglon is available at Volker Kühn, black forest audio.
Tell him Ulrich B. sent you!
TIGLON Kabel
Tiglon besitzt Patente für die Herstellung dünnster Magnesiumbleche, die zu Bändern geschnitten als Bandierungen für speziell damit entwickelten Signal- und Netzkabeln natürlichen, dynamischen und lebendigen Klang mit feinster Information verleihen.
www.blackforestaudio.de
Similar threads
 | Steve Williams Site Founder | Site Owner | Administrator |  | Ron Resnick Site Owner | Administrator |  | Julian (The Fixer) Website Build | Marketing Managersing |