Grounding boxes

You ever seen that film with Dudley Moore where he's an advertising exec who decides to tell the truth? 'Buy Volvos, they're boxy but they're good.'

And considered why it doesn't work in real life?

Just like a lot of marketing guff does, as we've already discussed. And it is also careful to stay within the bounds of what is considered acceptable. It paints a picture rather than makes outright statements of fact. Like pretty much all advertising copy does. 

I don't see where you are going with this. Everyone does it, why single out the Coherent?

I know cut coherent some slack Sav, they didn't invent the GB they've only jumped on the gravy train for gain.

There's a load o dosh to be made from the gullible.

Part of the stated justification for the price was the R&D. That's not the same thing as making scientific claims. Which they don't explicitly do in any case. 

I'm confused by your apparent change of analysis.

A few days ago you said "In fairness you can rarely get a comprehensive suite of measurements from any manufacturer for any product but in the case of the grounding box a specific claim has been made regarding reduced noise levels so it isn't unreasonable to ask for verification of that."

You also said "I think it's just a parlour trick and if you're in the 'I want to believe' camp it will probably work. I mean how can people say the effect is obvious and someone else hear nothing?"

And "I've been in this hi-fi game 30 years man and boy so I think that entitles me to cast aspersions on miracle products that have no technical explanation in the same way that I don't need to jump off the roof of my house to know I'll break both of my legs."

Are you now saying that the maker is a shining example of straight forwardness and transparency? Has your view changed as a result of Alan's testimonial for the Coherent box?

I am open minded about whether it works - my criticism applies to the pricing and the 'spiel'.

Thanks Martin, 

What is the 'new information' that 'has come to light' and has changed your opinion?

How do you view Jez's assertion that 'believing in grounding boxes is like believing in a car with square wheels'?

Thanks Martin. I appreciate you taking time to clarify.

Out of curiosity, what was the partial explanation of how it might work?

Thanks, Alan,

Do you have any commercial interest in them or did you just try one out of curiosity?

Believe me, Paul. I've pushed Alan to crack it open. When he tried, there's a substance inside that was preventing it from happening. The bolts on the front were removed and the same substance was stuck in the bolt threads and in the thread holes.

The only way to get a look is to cut it in half and examine the cross section.

I wouldn't expect anyone to cut £1.3k worth of gear in half.

PS, EVERYTHING that has crossed Alan's work bench has been opened up and had its guts mapped and examined. There's no special treatment for any particular brand.

Your position is understandable. It's hard to "trust" people, especially when there's cloak and dagger surrounding them.

Tony has however been very happy to admit there is a bit if the "black art" to this and all you can do is accept that for what it is. An admission that he doesn't fully understand why it work.

What should also be noted is that why it works and whether it works are unrelated.

It was easy to hear the effect in Alan's system, although it wasn't a profound slap in the face, it was obvious once you realised the effect was more subtle. Enough for me to pick it blind.

Why assuming? Why is there a belief or concern that the HiFi forum fraternity are out to lie, deceive and con other frats of their hard earned cash? There has not been one single shred of evidence to suggest that Alan has a commercial interest?

I've spent 5 years buying goods from places like Japan, Europe, the UK etc, over the internet via bank transfers, from private sellers! Not once have i been ripped off, or let down by anyone i have bought from BUT according to some paranoid androids spreading their bullshit around the place, little bob down the road is falsely promoting £2k grounding boxes and £16K Class D amplifiers and the like to unsuspecting Audiophiles!! It's fucking pathetic.


 

Alan Isn't a dealer. Tony is.


Alan is a hobbyist - Small Manufacturer. He doesn't sell other peoples stock & has no online presence other than on a couple of forums.

I'm also not suggesting you accused anyone of anything. I am asking why you suspect or instantly question/suggest there could be foul play or vested interest connected to the mans opinion, when you, nor anyone else has any proof to either suspect or suggest there could be?

Paul - That all the cables you plug into it star earth onto the block or mix of stuff inside creating some sort of reference ground. At least that is how I understood the explanation anyway. I mentioned it to Jez earlier on this thread I think but he thought it there was nothing to it.

I know that Westie does not work in the trade. I don't need to ask.

I know that Dave does work in the trade. I don't need to ask.

Would I seek to clarify the status of someone who is claiming massive improvements made by an item and posting those opinions frequently and across different forums? Yes, if their status was not obvious. That doesn't mean that I assume the worst, by any means. Macca has stated here, and elsewhere, that Alan is a good bloke who he respects for his knowledge and opinions. That was my starting point, and remains so. I've met Alan once and have no reason to doubt him, or Macca.

I do believe in transparency. Clarifying is not doubting or assuming, quite the opposite. You are reading more into this than is there and you are coming across as excessively defensive. If something or someone elsewhere has pissed you off, don't take it out on me.  If you are concerned that people think wrongly about Alan then you should welcome transparency to help you refute any such claims.

Think about it - my question is helpful to you (and Alan), not derogatory.