CH Precision Grounding
1-Series
In the 1-Series, grounding is elevated to the same standard of precision that governs every other aspect of design. Each component is conceived as a dual-chassis instrument, separating power and signal domains to achieve an unprecedented degree of isolation. Within this architecture, both chassis and signal ground planes are fully independent and directly accessible, allowing the system to be configured with absolute control and transparency.
Where most designs merge these references into a single path, CH preserves their integrity, ensuring that mechanical vibration, shielding leakage, and return currents remain isolated from the signal reference itself. The result is a grounding topology that extends the philosophy of “Precision as Principle” into the very foundation of the circuit—stable, silent, and inherently musical.
For system integration, this approach offers unmatched flexibility: installers can define exactly how each component interfaces with external grounding networks or earthing schemes, whether through a single reference point or a comprehensive dual-hub configuration. By managing every current and connection with mathematical clarity, the 10-Series preserves not only electrical purity, but also the temporal and spatial integrity that transforms sound into music
Preamplifier as Ground Hub
In the case of CH’s single-chassis components with integrated power supplies (the 1-Series), the grounding scheme follows a simple but powerful principle: the preamplifier serves as the system’s single chassis ground, while all other components reference signal ground exclusively through their interconnects. In this configuration, every component other than the preamp is “unlinked,” with the jumper in place between the two black receptacles on the rear panel.
The preamp itself carries the only link, via a jumper between the Chassis Earth (yellow) and Signal Ground receptacles. This hub-and-spoke arrangement eliminates competing chassis connections and the loops they create, ensuring that return currents follow a single, controlled path. The result is a grounding topology that is both electrically coherent and musically transparent—reducing noise, avoiding intermodulation, and preserving the micro-dynamics and spatial cues that give music its realism and life
Grounding Schematic with a Chassis Ground Hub
When using an external grounding hub, each component, with the exception of the preamp, should have its jumper set to the “unlinked” position (between the two black receptacles). The preamp alone carries the link between chassis and signal ground, with its jumper positioned between the yellow Chassis Earth and Signal Ground receptacles. In addition, each chassis should be tied to the external Chassis Ground hub by a ground connector running from its yellow Chassis Earth receptacle, and the hub itself must be connected to Earth Ground.
Since CH instruments provide independent access to both chassis and signal ground planes, they are uniquely receptive to properly executed external grounding systems. Where most components collapse all grounds together, leaving little scope for improvement, CH’s dual-plane architecture allows an external network to connect precisely where it should—whether draining noise from the chassis or stabilizing the signal reference.
Grounding Schematic with a Chassis and Signal Ground Hub
When employing a dedicated Signal Ground hub in addition to the Chassis Ground hub, the configuration changes slightly. In this case, each component—apart from the preamp—should have its jumper positioned between the two black Signal Ground receptacles. The preamp’s jumper should be removed entirely, and a separate ground cable connected from its black Signal Ground receptacle to the Signal Ground hub. The Signal Ground hub itself must then be connected to the Chassis Ground hub, establishing a proper reference between the two planes, with the Chassis Ground hub tied directly to Earth Ground.
This arrangement allows the system to separate chassis noise from the delicate signal reference even more effectively. By draining interference at the appropriate plane and maintaining a stable signal ground, the configuration preserves clarity and spatial coherence while further lowering the audible noise floor. As always, the key lies in CH’s independent access to both ground planes, which makes it possible to integrate external networks in a way that complements, rather than compromises, the internal architecture.
