iFi Audio GND Defender - Ground Loop Eliminator

iFi Audio GND Defender

If you can hear a consistent hum coming through your speakers, whether playing music or when idle, then you may have multiple ground/earth connections in your system causing a ground loop. This ground loop can be fiddly to fix, however, iFi have come along with an intelligent solution to help solve this issue. Enter the GND Defender! By using a specially designed AI Ground Detection, the GND Defender can automatically disconnect the ground on your device if there is a ground loop, eliminating the low hum through your speakers. But it does not stop there, the GND Defender can even reinstate the ground connection to pass current if any faults are detected in your system. This ensures a safety fallback to help protect your equipment.

The optimum configuration for each system is one Ground/Earth for the whole system. If a system has multiple Grounds/Earths, then it often creates unwanted ground loops. These systems will then have an annoying low-frequency hum (emitted from the speakers). Current solutions either jeopardise (i) both safety and EMI shielding (e.g. cheater plug), or (ii) EMI shielding. And most are single country (US) uses only. The GND Defender in the correct way, intelligently detects a ground loop and will cut the ground for that component.

With a GND Defender at the IEC power input, it will intelligently detect and remove the ground loop at the component. Behind this, the GND Defender; Intelligently breaks DC ground loops to eliminate ground loop hum, EMI shielding is retained, Equipment Safety is unaffected (not a ground lift – so maintains equipment safety ground). If multiple ground loops exist, more than one GND Defender may be required. The GND Defender is smarter than the average ground lift. By a long way.

Features

• High-performance glass passivated semiconductor
• High Case Dielectric Strength of 1500VRMS UL Listed
• X7R Capacitor
• High-temperature stability
• Flame resistant IEC socket/connector/chassis
• Fireproof polymers UL94-V0
• Surge overload rating of 220A. With a maximum rating >10A, continuous current rating 7A, it handles all voltages around the world from 90-240V
• Intelligently block DC voltages from the mains to eliminate transformer hum. Equipment safety is unaffected
• EMI shielding is retained

How do I know if I need one?

If you hear audible hum on your speakers or headphones, this is due to a ground loop in your setup and iFi's Ground Defender was designed to eliminate this unpleasant noise.

How do I use it?

Plug the GND Defender into the IEC socket of your earthed component, then plug the IEC power cable into the GND Defender.

How is an earth loop formed?

Sound systems can range in scale from being simple to very extensive. Generally, the more components that are earthed in the system, the more likely an earth loop will develop. It forms when there is more than one path for the audio ground or shield signal to flow through. For example, if a system consists of a preamplifier and power amplifier connected by RCA interconnects, and both the power amp and preamp are earthed to the mains, there are two paths for the ground signal to flow. One through the shield and return wire in the interconnect, and the other via the mains earth in the power board or house wiring and the two equipment earth wires.

Here is where the GND Defender can be of assistance. By inserting it into the earth system of the second (or more) low-resistance earthed component, you may reduce the effect of the earth loop, evidenced by a reduction in hum or buzz

Is lifting the earth from equipment safe?

To maintain earthing safety for connected equipment a maximum of 1.2V is allowed to develop across the 100 ohm resistance in the GND Defender, with excess current being passed through without hindrance.

Should I use just one? Or multiple?

Ideally you should use one Ground Defender per audio component, but also you should remember to connect at least one such product to your power bar/conditioner directly.

What about unearthed systems?

The GND Defender won’t be of benefit to an unearthed system (where all the components have double insulated 2 pin power supplies). Instead, it will probably help if the system can be connected to mains earth. Ifi audio makes the Ground Hog cables for this purpose. Earthing this sort of system may result in less hum and fewer digital errors from digital equipment.

Specifications:

• AI Ground Detection: Each unit will automatically disconnect the ground on that device
• Ground Safe: Auto reinstatement of ground connection to pass current if a fault is detected
• Voltage rating: 90 – 240 volts
• Surge overload rating: 220A
• Continuous current rating: 10A (1100W – 2400W)
• Universal IEC: Hospital-grade IEC connectors
• Dimensions: 68 x 37 x 32 mm / 2.7” x 1.5” x 1.3”
• Weight: 61g / 2.2oz
• Warranty period: 12 months

About iFi Audio

iFi Audio is an award-winning audio tech company dedicated to enhancing your music enjoyment. With a mission to improve sound quality and eliminate noise, distortion, and hiss, iFi Audio offers a wide range of products that cater to headphones, speakers, portable audio devices, phones, and TVs. By doing so, they aim to deliver studio-quality audio that allows you to experience music as the artists intended.

Since its establishment in 2012, iFi Audio has been driven by the love of music and a commitment to making a difference in people's lives. With over 50 meticulously designed and manufactured products, they ensure every detail meets their high standards. Sourcing parts from around the world, including Germany, the USA, and Japan, they bring together global expertise to create exceptional audio devices.

At the heart of iFi Audio's business are its customers. They prioritise delivering the highest quality audio wherever you are, whether in the comfort of your home or on the go. Their distribution centre in the USA serves renowned retailers such as B&H and etailz, expanding their global network and reaching more music enthusiasts.

iFi Audio takes pride in its eco-friendly practices, using recyclable materials like aluminium, paper, and recycled plastics for its products and packaging. They strictly adhere to environmental standards, ensuring their components are hazardous toxins-free.

With a focus on Class A analogue circuitry and maintaining the audio signal's integrity, iFi Audio's products offer exceptional performance without compromising environmental sustainability. They believe that how a product looks, performs, and impacts the environment all matter, and they strive to deliver audio solutions that meet these criteria.

Experience the difference of high-quality audio with iFi Audio and immerse yourself in the joy of music.