Puritan Audio Labs GroundMaster & GroundMaster CITY
Best noise-reduction solution for audiophiles seeking enhanced clarity and soundstage depth.
The Puritan Audio Labs GroundMaster and GroundMaster CITY are essential upgrades for any serious audio/visual system, designed to eliminate disruptive ground noise that pollutes the system's voltage reference. By channeling offending noise through a low impedance route to ground, these devices significantly enhance clarity, tighten bass response, and improve sound staging. The standard GroundMaster requires an external ground rod, while the CITY version utilizes the existing house AC-ground for comparable performance gains. Users experience increased transparency, revealing micro-details and improved dynamics, making this a highly effective audio enhancement.
$300.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
6
/ 310
#6 in Power
Price vs Category Average
+0%
Below average
Who it's for
- System builders wanting simple, non-intrusive power upgrades
- Audiophiles seeking a silent, pitch-black noise floor
- Listeners craving deeper micro-detail and improved soundstage definition
Who should skip it
- Owners of systems with already clean electrical grounding
- Minimalists avoiding the clutter of extra specialized cabling
- Budget-conscious hobbyists prioritizing value over specialized accessories
Performance breakdown
Noise Floor Reduction
Effectively strips away electrical interference for a pitch-black background.
Soundstage Expansion
Opens up the 3D space, revealing depth and precise instrument placement.
Micro-detail Retrieval
Unlocks subtle textures and nuances previously buried in the signal.
Installation Simplicity
CITY version is plug-and-play, while the standard requires dedicated grounding work.
Bass Definition
Tightens low-end response, removing muddiness for a more authoritative punch.
System Integration
Seamlessly pairs with existing power conditioners to elevate overall system performance.
Key Specs
GroundMaster includes 12 Individual Alternately Tuned Frequency Guides
Grounding required for operation
Connection type
Ground connection via green ground lug
Designed to kill ground noise
Performance enhanced by using multiple ground rods (min 1.2M spacing)
Performance enhanced by surrounding rods with conductive aggregates (e.g., Bentonite)
Requires connection to Puritan Audio power conditioner or RouteMaster ground lug
Mounting type
Desktop
Features
- Eliminates ground noise via low impedance route
- GroundMaster requires external ground rod
- GroundMaster CITY uses existing house AC-ground
- Improves clarity, bass, and sound staging
- Widens and deepens 3D sound stage
- Simple plug-in installation
- Can be used with RouteMaster
- Reveals micro-details and dynamics
What customers say
Customers view the Puritan GroundMaster series as essential for high fidelity audio, citing transformative noise reduction. Users consistently report an immediate lowering of the noise floor, creating an inky black background. This silence unlocks superior clarity, better micro-dynamics, and a more expansive soundstage. The units effectively eliminate electrical grunge that standard conditioners miss, revealing previously masked musical details. Build quality is universally praised as robust and professional grade, justifying the premium cost for serious audiophiles. The GroundMaster CITY specifically excels in resolving complex grounding issues common in urban settings. For those struggling with system noise, this series offers a highly effective foundational upgrade.
Know before you buy
The standard GroundMaster requires a dedicated external ground rod to function, while the CITY version is designed to utilize your home's existing AC ground wiring. The CITY model is the better choice if you cannot install a physical ground rod outside your home.
Yes, both versions require a connection to a Puritan Audio power conditioner or a RouteMaster ground lug to operate. They are designed to work as a system to effectively manage and eliminate ground noise.
Yes, you can enhance performance by installing multiple ground rods spaced at least 1.2 meters apart. Surrounding these rods with conductive aggregates, such as Bentonite, can also further lower impedance and improve noise dissipation.
You will likely notice a quieter background, which allows for better micro-detail retrieval and improved dynamics. Many users also report a tighter, more defined bass response and a wider, deeper 3D sound stage.
No, the installation is straightforward. Both units are designed for desktop placement and feature a simple plug-in connection via the green ground lug on your compatible Puritan power conditioner.
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$300