Shunyata Grounding System

[QuantumWave]

Apologies for slight diversion off-topic, but I am selling a Omega XC C19 in mint condition half price, I thought it may be of interest for some folks here, PM me if interested

 

[TommyC]

Denali V2 with no grounding vs Gemini Model 8 + grounding. Which option offers better sound?

 

[Bör B]

Was also curious if anyone has had any experience with the Gemini Model 8, looking at replacing my PS audio regen as it makes to much noise. Anyone can report back would be great and if they plugged their preamp in there or amps in there, how did it affect the sound.

 

[GSOphile]

Denali V2 with no grounding vs Gemini Model 8 + grounding. Which option offers better sound?

What units/cables define your current system?

 

[Puma Cat]

Denali V2 with no grounding vs Gemini Model 8 + grounding. Which option offers better sound?

Was also curious if anyone has had any experience with the Gemini Model 8, looking at replacing my PS audio regen as it makes to much noise. Anyone can report back would be great and if they plugged their preamp in there or amps in there, how did it affect the sound.

I don't have the Gemini Model 8 but I own and use a Gemini 4, which is a Gemini 8 with 4 receptacles instead of 8. I use my Gemini 4 for powering my Remote Server Room (RSR) components: EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock and Power supply and main internet router, I've also used it in the main rack as the power distributor for the main system components, and it's very effective in that application as well. Overall, my Gemini-4 is an excellent power distributor, very quiet with excellent DTCD functionality combined with -30dB of noise reduction zone-to-zone and -40dB input to output, which is actually more than a Venom V16. I would estimate it's quality with respect to audio quality improvement powering components as well as noise reduction on-par or somewhat better with the Venom V16 power distributor, especially for it's price.

Here's Gemin-4 powering my main system with an Altaira underneath...

A big plus are it's 4 Altaira-type (CG-NR) terminals which provide chassis ground-plane noise reduction capability. While a Denali V2 also as a single ground terminal, it does not provide the level or degree of CG-NR that the Gemini's Altaira-type system does. There is also a 5th ground-terminal that provides ground-plane connection to the overall system's power distributors if an Everest, Denali v2, etc., power distributor is being used in that configuration as well. As such, it's very flexible device useable in a variety of set-up applications.

A shot of the rear panel showing the 4 power receptacles and the 4 CG-NR terminals.

And in the RSR power the music server gear...

 

[TommyC]

What units/cables define your current system?

I don't have the Gemini Model 8 but I own and use a Gemini 4, which is a Gemini 8 with 4 receptacles instead of 8. I use my Gemini 4 for powering my Remote Server Room (RSR) components: EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock and Power supply and main internet router, I've also used it in the main rack as the power distributor for the main system components, and it's very effective in that application as well. Overall, my Gemini-4 is an excellent power distributor, very quiet with excellent DTCD functionality combined with -30dB of noise reduction zone-to-zone and -40dB input to output, which is actually more than a Venom V16. I would estimate it's quality with respect to audio quality improvement powering components as well as noise reduction on-par or somewhat better with the Venom V16 power distributor, especially for it's price.

A big plus are it's 4 Altaira-type (CG-NR) terminals which provide chassis ground-plane noise reduction capability. While a Denali V2 also as a single ground terminal, it does not provide the level or degree of CG-NR that the Gemini's Altaira-type system does. There is also a 5th ground-terminal that provides ground-plane connection to the overall system's power distributors if an Everest, Denali v2, etc., power distributor is being used in that configuration as well. As such, it's very flexible device useable in a variety of set-up applications.

Due to space constraint, either:
1. Denali V2 with Theta loom
2. Gemini 4 with Theta loom + Theta grounding cables

I understand the Denali is on a different level vs the Gemini, but then the Gemini has CG-NR. Difficult decision.

 

[kimmusic]

Question on ground cable from Altaira to Everest. Is it worth upgrading for $1,500 to get an Omega-X, or $900 for the Sigma-X ground cable from my current Omega ground cable?

One difference in the Omega X varieties is 2 "elements" in the Tapc/CMode modules, vs one. Both are 6 ga. What size spades are best fit for this? They have a small and large size.

 

[rgmd11]

Was also curious if anyone has had any experience with the Gemini Model 8, looking at replacing my PS audio regen as it makes to much noise. Anyone can report back would be great and if they plugged their preamp in there or amps in there, how did it affect the sound.

Hi
I have the Gemini 4 and it is an excellent piece of kit, especially as it comes with the grounding posts, what does it bring to the table !, through less background noise, music has a much clearer presentation, augmented nicely with better instrument separation and a very pleasant airiness is achieved , the power cable i use is the newer Alpha-X xc, and all of the grounging cables are Omega, these cables will have an influential bearing as well, sometime this year I am going to upgrade to either a Denali v2 or perhaps an Everest along with the Altair grounding system, but overall the Gemini 4 and 8 are imho both an excellent value proposition for what they actually offer and deliver.

 

[rgmd11]

Due to space constraint, either:
1. Denali V2 with Theta loom
2. Gemini 4 with Theta loom + Theta grounding cables

I understand the Denali is on a different level vs the Gemini, but then the Gemini has CG-NR. Difficult decision.

Hi
May I humbly suggest either one of the newer Alpha-x or Sigma-x power cables to power either the Gemini or Denali v2, and then Theta cables to your components, you will have a very nice uptick in SQ that way, good luck

 

[Puma Cat]

Hi
I have the Gemini 4 and it is an excellent piece of kit, especially as it comes with the grounding posts, what does it bring to the table !, through less background noise, music has a much clearer presentation, augmented nicely with better instrument separation and a very pleasant airiness is achieved , the power cable i use is the newer Alpha-X xc, and all of the grounging cables are Omega, these cables will have an influential bearing as well, sometime this year I am going to upgrade to either a Denali v2 or perhaps an Everest along with the Altair grounding system, but overall the Gemini 4 and 8 are imho both an excellent value proposition for what they actually offer and deliver.

I agree on all points.

 

[Puma Cat]

Hi
May I humbly suggest either one of the newer Alpha-x or Sigma-x power cables to power either the Gemini or Denali v2, and then Theta cables to your components, you will have a very nice uptick in SQ that way, good luck

Yep, that would be a good way to go.

 

[TommyC]

Finally have some time and budget to look into Altaira and some Alpha-X grounding cables. Does it make sense to use 2 grounding cables (e.g.,1 per channel) if I’m only going to use one Chassis hub?

 

[QuantumWave]

In case of interest, I have now two Signal Altaira in mint condition for sale, bought from KrispyAudio last year. I have a loom of grounding cables.

(1) Delta V3 ground Sp/Ban 1m [2x]
(2) Delta V3 ground Sp/Ban 1.5m
(3) Delta V3 ground Sp/Ban 1.75m
(4) Delta V3 ground Ban/Ban 1m [4x]

PM me if interested, happy listening!

 

[Puma Cat]

Finally have some time and budget to look into Altaira and some Alpha-X grounding cables. Does it make sense to use 2 grounding cables (e.g.,1 per channel) if I’m only going to use one Chassis hub?

It entirely depends on the type of connection(s) you’re going to make. If you’re making a connection from a CG Altaira hub to the component chassis ground by means of the component’s dedicated ground terminal, a chassis fastener, or component cover screw, you only need to install one ground cable from that component’s chassis ground connection point to a CG Altaira hub AFTER you have first verified with data (i.e., an actual measurement) that this specific ground connection point makes a connection to ground using an Ohm meter. You’d also only need one ground cable if you’re making a digital signal ground connection e.g. Ethernet, USB, S/PDIF, etc., from the device to your single Altaira hub.

If however, you’re making an ANALOG signal ground connection from the component’s unused RCA or XLR inputs or outputs to a single CG hub, you’ll need two cables, one for each channel.

All this is very clearly described and depicted in the comprehensive Altaira background, configuration, and set-up guides available from Shunyata’s web site. Have you downloaded and read all of those first?

If not, you really need to do that first so you can determine WHAT type of connections you want to make, which then specifies what type and number of ground cables will be required. You’ll need an Ohm meter as well if you’re doing the installation yourself.

 

[TommyC]

It entirely depends on the type of connection(s) you’re going to make. If you’re making a connection from a CG Altaira hub to the component chassis ground by means of the component’s dedicated ground terminal, a chassis fastener, or component cover screw, you only need to install one ground cable from that component’s chassis ground connection point to a CG Altaira hub AFTER you have first verified with data (i.e., an actual measurement) that this specific ground connection point makes a connection to ground using an Ohm meter. You’d also only need one ground cable if you’re making a digital signal ground connection e.g. Ethernet, USB, S/PDIF, etc., from the device to your single Altaira hub.

If however, you’re making an ANALOG signal ground connection from the component’s unused RCA or XLR inputs or outputs to a single CG hub, you’ll need two cables, one for each channel.

All this is very clearly described and depicted in the comprehensive Altaira background, configuration, and set-up guides available from Shunyata’s web site. Have you downloaded and read all of those first?

If not, you really need to do that first so you can determine WHAT type of connections you want to make, which then specifies what type and number of ground cables will be required. You’ll need an Ohm meter as well if you’re doing the installation yourself.

Thank you. I'll be using the XLR input/output on the Accuphase integrated (dual mono construction) that I measured to be <1 ohm. In this case, 2 ground connections (1 per ch) appear to be appropriate.

 

[Puma Cat]

Thank you. I'll be using the XLR input/output on the Accuphase integrated (dual mono construction) that I measured to be <1 ohm. In this case, 2 ground connections (1 per ch) appear to be appropriate.

Sounds good, Tommy. Also, if possible, if there are any other ground connections that you can make from unused connection ports/jacks/interfaces (e.g., a chassis ground terminal, S/PDIF, Ethernet, BNC jacks, USB, etc.) on your Accuphase to your Altaira will also provide a notable reduction in ground-plane noise. If these connections are close enough together with respect to their spacing on the component's rear panel, I think you can also purchase a "multi-headed" tail with these specific connectors on it, and connect this multi-headed tail to a single ground cable to a ground cable terminal on your CG Altaira.

For example, for my Lumin P1, in addition to connecting unused RCA jacks (1 for each channel), I also have connections from the P1's unused USB-A, USB-B, S/PDIF, RJ45 Ethernet, and BNC inputs to the P1's dedicated Altaira hub, for a total of seven ground connections in all from my Lumin P1 to it's dedicated Altaira hub.

Bottom-line: any additional grounding connections you can make from your Accuphase to your Altaira will further reduce ground-plane noise.

Cheers.