Tweakers' Asylum

Ping Al Sekela

76.81.12.56

RioTubes

Al, I'm thinking about trying wiring rectifier diodes anti-parallel to the AC earth line. In what component is this best inserted (or all)? My system consists of a balanced power conditioner into which my CDP and 300B monoblocks are plugged. I have a TVC preamp that does not use AC. All equipment use 3-prong IEC plugs.

Also, I'm planning to implement the RC Network on each end of speaker cable. But I presently have banana plugs. If I soldered the RC Network to a spade it would be placed between the amp and banana insert on the post...which is not ideal...any thoughts? Thanks for your feedback!

Follow Ups:

Try any equipment that has safety-earth connected. Also, - Al Sekela 15:40:52 06/10/07 (2)
try the diodes with any non-audio noise sources that use the safety-earth.

Note that not all audio gear with three-prong IEC connectors actually uses the safety-earth. They may use a three-prong IEC to allow audiophiles to experiment with their favorite after-market power cords. It will not help to insert the diodes into the safety-earth lead to such equipment. You can use a simple portable meter with resistance measurement function to see if the exposed case is connected to the safety-earth pin.

RF noise sources such as switching power supplies usually have two-prong plugs, but may be plugged in to power strips that have RFI/EMI filters built in. These filters have small capacitors that connect the hot and neutral lines to the safety-earth, so they couple RF noise from the appliance into the AC safety-earth. This is a good place to try the diodes.

Performance of the antiparallel diode tweak varies with the types of diodes used and improves with low-resistance inductors in series with the diodes. Sorry that I don't have a part number to share for diodes, as my best results have been with some 4-ampere, 400 volt integrated bridges that I found in a surplus store. JW Miller 5701 toroidal chokes (carried in stock by Mouser) offer some additional reduction in RF noise and have very low DC resistance.
- Schematic OK? - RioTubes 08:46:20 06/11/07 (1)
  Thanks Al for the feedback. I found some Vishay rectifier diodes at Mouser that are 6 amp with 800 reverse voltage rating. I ordered these along with the JW Miller choke. While I await delivery, I'd appreciate your comments on whether I've got this schematic right...cathode lead to IEC? Choke betw diodes and IEC?
  
  Both amps have earth reference points on metal chassis, and my DAC although in all-wood chassis has a brass screw reference point to which 3 transformers are bolted. So I think I'll start with the two amps and dac. Thanks!
  - No, antiparallel means one diode in each direction. - Al Sekela 14:18:40 06/11/07 (0)
    What you want is to reverse one of the diodes in your schematic.
    
    This gives a composite device with high impedance at low voltages but with the ability to carry fault current with no more than a volt or two across it, in either direction.
    
    I use two chokes, one on each side of the antiparallel diode pair, but one should work fine. The idea is to block low-level noise without compromising safety.
    
    Try this without making major physical changes first. The tweak works on my equipment, but I have not heard from many others about it.

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