ThomasOK wrote: ↑2019-09-18 16:54
Defender wrote: ↑2019-09-18 15:41
but would they not meet each other in the source component as soon as you use a digital source?
Yes, and there lies the dilemma...
Would it work to disconnect the ground wire in one of the RCAs going to the preamp? Would that cause other problems?
An easy solution is to buy an all-Naim system and use DIN cables. That solves 3.25 of the 4 "problems" proposed here.
An easier, and much cheaper, solution is to buy inline RCA-to-RCA transformers for all cables.
I have done both and can say the Naim solution sounds better.
However, I personally don't think the "problem" is that large. If it was, Fredrik would be offering all his phono amps dual-mono.
Tom has done something quite important and should really be the focus of this thread; proper (and safer) grounding of a home electrical system. I have no experience of electrical distribution outside of the United States. Inside the United States, I have a LOT of experience with practical application, knowledge of codes (including past examples), and crazy nut-job hi-fi experiments (done by me).
It is very common in the U.S. to have a home electrical system's ground connected to a cold water pipe. Often there is a jumper across the water meter so the electrical system is grounded to a further buried pipe deeper in the "earth". Sometimes these bonds are broken. Even if the bonds are secure, and without corrosion, there are still ground loops present, and they will vary because of temperature, humidity, vibration, and impurities in the water.
With the advent of copper water pipes, some homes have a combination of copper and lead. This is disaster for two reasons; the first is if you have an earth connection across these two dissimilar metals, corrosion will occur at the joint and your pipes will eventually burst. "Ground-Loop" could also be called voltage or current difference. Ohm's Law will show a voltage (and current running) drop across two points having a floating resistive difference.
The safest, easiest, cheapest solution is to do what Tom has done and drive at least an 8-foot ground rod outside and disconnect
everything electrical from any water pipes.
The sound quality of your hi-fi will improve and you will be up to code. Be aware this is not always a simple matter. Most retailers offer the bare minimum. You really need a thicker, longer solid copper earth rod; 12-foot is good. It must be near a moist area as it is the mineral impurities in the water that increase the electrical connection to "earth". I have often hit rock after four-feet. The top end of an earth rod must also be a foot or so below ground and that connection "earthed". This also prevents lawn mowers and edgers wearing down the copper. Be careful not to hit a water pipe, sewer, or other below ground-level items.
Like most boys, my son wanted a set of walkie-talkies when he was about 10. This pre-dated iPhones. I had a theory I proved showing there were
many earth-loops in electrical systems. We followed the power delivered to my house back to the main reduction transformer. Along the way an incredible discovery was made; the grounding of
every pole was severed. Most were cut at the very bottom right at the connection to the earth rod.
This was coincidentally within a month of my son's birthday so I bought him walkie-talkies. We alternated who was inside the house and at the poles comparing listening results. We always agreed 100% and the result was that properly grounding the pole's 0-Volt to earth sounded best.
I have since gone back and replaced previously damaged earth wires over the years, this has improved the sound marginally. My main point is reduce all ground loops
before they get to your hi-fi.
The impetus for starting my journey is interesting if anyone is interested.
Ron The Mon
Electrical Nut-Job