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In the Forum: Audio Discussions
In the Thread: It’s mad, mad, mad... electricity.

Post Subject: Tracing Ground NoisePosted by Paul S on: 2/19/2009

Big header, small discussion...

The well-designed hi-fi component will not require that a "ground" wire (if any) be connected, at all. In fact, the ground wire can actually introduce noise in some cases, for a number of reasons that I think I have covered, earlier. HOWEVER: it can still be beneficial to "bleed off" stray current from some components via a "dedicated ground" wire, via the chassis ground lug, or similar ground sink outlet. Low level amps (like phono stages), transformers (including cartridges), IC shields, and motors (like TTs), are good examples, but any given component MAY benefit from "bleeding".

Adrian, you might start by "lifting" any 3rd/"ground" wires that presently connect your components to the PP2000 ground connection. Do it one at a time. See if it gets worse. If no worse, but also no better (or still not good enough), begin tying any "ground" wires to your dedicated ground lead. Stop when it's quiet.

I am not familiar with the PP2000 circuit design, but I suspect its neutral is not "isolated", either from other components on the same grid, nor from its own "backwash", which I imagine will be considerable, based on what I do know about the PP2000's design (ie, "double-digital", coming and going).

Re, the effects of the PP2000: I wonder if a quieter background makes it easier to recognize the Sound, which can mask diminished dynamics. The PS stuff sounds like this to me.

Best regards,
Paul S

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