When it comes to grounding, many people tend to think it's just a simple connection — just link it up and connect it to the chassis. However, the truth is that ground wires can introduce noise and significantly impact sound quality. I've spent more time studying grounding than analyzing the circuit itself. It's like the sewer system of an audio setup; if not properly managed, it can become dirty and smelly. In fact, it's better not to cover it at all. So, how we plan, maintain, and clean up this "sewer" is fundamental to building a high-quality audio system. The term "ground" usually refers to zero potential (GND), but not every socket is connected to GND. The main purpose of the connector housing is to provide shielding and prevent external interference. Another important aspect is the grounding pin in the power Cable, which serves as a safety feature to prevent electric shocks in case of a short circuit. Therefore, the power ground should be connected to the chassis for protection. Many people overlook a crucial point: they focus only on the quality of signal cables, thinking they affect sound, while some realize power lines matter too. But few understand that the ground wire itself can introduce noise or affect the clarity of the sound. Signal cables often have a grounding terminal alongside the signal path. For example, from a CD player to the preamp and then to the power amp, everything is interconnected through these paths. Have you ever considered a curved ground path that loops around the entire system — from the CD player to the power outlet, then to the preamp’s power line, and finally to the power amp? Electricity doesn’t always take a straight path. It follows the easiest route, and sometimes that leads to issues. What’s the problem? The voltage potential in the preamp or CD player might not match that of the power amp. This mismatch causes interference. Even pure signals can be affected by the ground loop from the power line. It's easy to imagine how this could create significant noise or distortion. The simplest and most effective solution is to remove the grounding from the preamp and CD player, leaving only the ground connection on the power amp. But how exactly do you do that? Some people cut off the ground pins on their plugs or use non-grounded cables. Others don't like this destructive approach. At this point, it's important to consider how to rewire the system. Grounding and shielding are essential, which involves careful planning of the circuit's "ground" layout. First, you need to understand one basic concept: in any circuit, current must return through a path. Whether it's a solid-state or tube-based system, the "ground" is used as a return path. When a voltage passes through components and reaches the load, it must return to the ground to complete the circuit. This starting point is typically the common point of the filter capacitor or the reference voltage of the regulator. The current flowing through the signal path also returns via the ground wire. So when designing the wiring, the ground wire should be at least as thick as the power wire. Don’t forget, when using both positive and negative voltages, the current doubles. For example, in the power amp stage, the speaker ground is a critical path for the output current. It connects back to the filter capacitor and forms a loop with the power transformer. Sometimes, a bridge output is used instead. Some audiophiles focus heavily on the output of tube amplifiers but overlook the importance of the output transformer’s ground. Connecting a thick wire won’t help unless the zero end of the transformer is directly connected to the output stage. Also, the cathode resistor of the power amplifier tube should be placed close to the filter capacitor to ensure a good ground loop. Now, let’s talk about the issue of "chopping current." The AC power supply is typically 50Hz or 60Hz. After rectification, it creates a ripple that results in a chopping effect. This can cause large currents and voltages in the loop between the filter capacitor and the voltage regulator. Any ground connection in this area will be affected, becoming a source of noise. That’s why it's best to keep the ground connection of the filter capacitor as close as possible and avoid mixing it with other grounds. Especially when multiple capacitors are used, this issue becomes more pronounced. How should you arrange the ground wire? The general rule is to consider the current flow. If the current is high, connect it as close to the source as possible, then follow the signal path step by step. Try to avoid more than two separate paths connecting together. A "star connection" is another method where each circuit’s ground is tied to a single central point, reducing interference between different sections. Finally, let’s discuss the concept of “screen grounding.†Its main purpose is to connect the chassis to a single reference point. Some people use thick soldered wires, thinking that improper connections will generate noise. In reality, it's better to use a 100-ohm resistor and a small capacitor (like 0.1μF) to connect the chassis. Where is the best place to pick up this connection? I believe the input stage of the entire system is ideal. The closer the screen's potential is to the input stage, the better the shielding effect will be. The ideas presented here are just the basics. There are many more detailed aspects that are hard to explain fully. Some people ask me how to connect the ground. The answer is that there's no universal solution. It depends on the specific design and signal flow. The best way is to experiment. Don’t assume all grounds are the same. Different configurations require different approaches. Always test and adjust based on what sounds best. Titanium alloy mesh cable,Computer broadband connection cable,Home network cable,Broadband connection line Jiangsu D-Bees Smart Home Co., Ltd. , https://www.cI-hometheater.com