I feel like I should include this photo again... Don't worry, this one is not a bank busting acquisition. Be warned though, I sent Kamran a sneak preview and he already bought one.  ;D

I was reading a thread about LPSs and someone mentioned the Zayin Audio Suprareg being the best LPS they have heard and they have experience with a bunch of them. I went to the Zayin Audio website to browse and spotted the Gcude BG/01 I figured I would give two of them a try.

I hooked one to the Spdif RCA on the Lampizator TRP and one to the USB on the backup slot of the Innuos ZENith MK3.

I sat down and just thought “no way!” the change was instant. Music sounded good, so I figured I would just enjoy for a while. 

Zayin Audio’s website provides a brief, three-paragraph description of the Gcude BG/01.

“The Zayin Gcube revolutionizes audio quality with its advanced noise elimination technology. By establishing a seamless connection to digital or audio ground, it eradicates harsh noise, revealing previously hidden details and nuances in your music. 

With a simple setup, this device transforms your listening experience, delivering crystal-clear vocals, vibrant instrumentals, and unparalleled clarity. 

Say goodbye to background noise and hello to a new level of sonic purity. Elevate your audio journey with the Gcube and rediscover the true essence of music.“

They do exactly what it says in the sale copy. I could stop because Zayin is so accurate with what the magic box does.

My system is the most holographic and enveloping system I’ve ever listened to. Adding the Gcude increased the holography and envelopingness. More importantly, it gave more density clarity realness to the musical world around the listening position.

The recording’s setting offers a more tactile experience. Example Branford Marsalis - Blues for One truly feel and hear the sound in the cathedral. Without the guide, when Branford plays, the cathedral’s ambiance is muddled and pushed into the background. With the Gcude the cathedral and Branford are playing together off one another. The cathedral becomes a performer. Perhaps “Blues for Two” would have been a better title.

The Gcudes provide a calmness to the music. Don’t think this means boring! In actuality, the reverse is true. The music is more exciting. The dynamic contrast seems to be increased. Music has a calm intensity to it. It’s also easier to become 100% relaxed and melt into the music.

Adding these effects a paradoxical shift: simultaneously subtle and significant. When my brother came over to give me a reality check, he asked them to be disconnected and reconnected 3 times before making any comments. Paraphrasing what he said. The more you listen, the more you realize what they are doing. Gives everything a more natural sound, it’s faster to relax into the music. 

His girlfriend, also in the room, remarked that the Gcudes sounded snappier when they were in the system.

Cymbals have more texture and nuance. There is a rich vibrant energy to the music. Density and speed. Puts a luxurious feel to the music.

Overall I’m blown away with the Gcudes. I’ve tried a few of the grounding boxes that are connected to unused RCA, XLR, Ethernet, etc and they have made an improvement that I enjoy. Removing unknown hash, the Gcudes are on a whole different level. 

The most obvious functional difference is the Gcudes use a 9v battery while the other ones I’ve used use a mixture of different powders or something.

Zayin estimate the 9v battery to last 2 years. 

I bought 2 units and tried them on 3 components, in order of improvement:

Lampizator GA TRP DAC.
Innuos ZENith MK3 server.
EMIA Autoformer preamp.

The DAC was a massive change. If I had one Gcude I would put it on the DAC for sure. Adding the second gives more of what it’s doing. 

I bought some 2mm banana plugs so I can make a cable for my phono stage and see if I get an improvement on that too. I emailed Matthew at Zayin Audio asking if they make an ethernet cable for the Gcude. He said he would make me one.

I’m blown away with the level of improvement these tiny little boxes make. At less than $300, they are not cheap. However, the level of improvement they brought was significant.

I was using a CAD GC1 “Ground Control” hooked up to the Innuos and Lampizator. It removed some of the hash that wasn’t obvious, it was also not obvious and it was subtle.

Reading reviews of the CAD products, some people are absolutely blown away with the CAD GC1. In my systems, it was always subtle. I ended up selling the CAD unit and I’m going to order two more of the Gcudes and see if I keep getting more improvement. The first one added to the Lampizator was the lion’s share of the improvement. Second Gcude things improved, but less so.

James,

I get it, It didn't even come with any paper work just the two boxes.

Yes, plug it into an unused input or possibly output depending on the component. I would say it's in the grounding device "ground box" realm of things. Similar to CAD and Entreq grounding products. It's odd because they don't really ground anything. They do work. I've tried ones by Afterdark too. The Gcude is the first one that I really noticed a wow with.

Over the past hour, I have read whatever I could find about "What is a Signal Ground Box?" From what I could find, it looks good. In the end, however, I thought I need a "Micky." Remember that Life cereal commercial from many years ago with three brothers?
 
Two of them were hesitant to try the "healthy" cereal. They decided to give it to their younger brother, "Mikey," who was known for disliking everything. To their surprise, Mikey loved it, and the famous line "He likes it! Hey Mikey!" was born.  

I was thinking what I need is a "Mikey" to step in and give this cereal, or Signal Ground Box, another review! Then, who pops up precisely at that moment? CA "Mikey" James.

I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

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Ah, the good old days.

And, BTW, you're lagging in the race to get a STR. Just sayin. I'm looking forward to your thoughts in any event.

Very interesting new equipment review, thanks GS. In checking out the rear panel of my Modwright modified CXN 2, I only have an unused coaxial output and XLR outputs. Does anyone know which might prove best for use with the gcude?

I'm trying to figure out whether to get a cable terminated by an XLR or RCA plug (which should work with the coaxial output). Any insights would be appreciated. Oh, and how long is the cable?

HK

I have to say that this wooden mystery box is quite intriguing.  If my wife didn’t put a hault on my audio spending right now, I would have seriously considered making a purchase.  

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Roger….I was thinking the same thing.  I guess in theory the XLR input would be the quietest connection by design.  If I had to pick one of the two, I would say the RCA terminal would be my 1st choice.  But without knowing the technology behind what it accomplishes…. My choice would be educated guess at this point.  

Dom

CA James, I'm using the CXN V2 as my streamer and DAC. I currently have my CD transport plugged into my CXN V2 coax input, but rarely listen to CD's these days given my Qobuz/ROON steaming sound quality.

That said, I could always try out the coax input and output Jack to see if there's any difference. Hopefully GS will chime on since he seems to be the only one with direct listening experience at this point.

HK

Shucks Groovy. I was thinking of using this device in the ZDAK usb input. I get the feeling it will not work with it. ZDAC uses physical switches to switch between digital inputs.

Blaze the way!

Hopefully more info will surface down the beaten path.

JBzen, Does it lift the ground when switching? Most components have all the grounds tied together.

Where to place it is a tough one, especially if different connections are needed. I really don't know what will make the biggest difference. Matthew from Zayin Audio got back to me and said that it will be the end of April when the ethernet cables will be ready.

I made 2 cables that I can use to try hooking up to the ground of the speakers. I'm also going to try on the the phono stage.

The Gcude connects to the ground of the component, if it lifts ground then the Gcude won't be doing anything.

There are DIY plans out there for grounding devices they use a mixture different materials. The Gcude seems to be an active version of these.

Here a photo of the unit with the "cover" taken off.

I got the same e-mail.

Hey Groovy,

I did look inside the ZDAK. The grounds are all interconnected. The switches are connected to the main/only board. I think the Gcude, no matter how it does its thing, will work with the ZDAK being swithes are attached directly with the circuit board instead of breaking circuit before it.

My old school ways

Thanks for the picture.

Bob, you jumped in too, nice!

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I don't know. I'm guessing it will have a positive impact on most systems.