Our use of the term "Ground"
Understanding Our Approach
One of the questions we're asked most frequently is:
Defining "Grounding
"What do you mean by ground?"
It's a perfectly reasonable question.
For many people, the word ground immediately suggests an electrical connection to earth. Whilst that is one accepted definition, it isn't the way we use the term at Black Ravioli.
Our products are not connected to the signal path, they do not modify the equipment's electrical grounding, and they are not intended to function as conventional vibration absorbers.
Instead, we use the term grounding to describe the controlled dissipation of unwanted parasitic energy.
Every Replay System Contains Two Types of Energy
Every audio replay system exists to reproduce music.
Alongside the musical information, however, there are many other forms of energy present that contribute nothing to the musical performance.
These include:
• Mechanical energy
• Electrical interference
• Thermal energy
These forms of unwanted parasitic energy continually interact with both the equipment and its environment.
Our philosophy has always been very simple.
If we can reduce the influence of unwanted parasitic energy without interfering with the signal itself, the equipment is free to perform closer to its full potential.
Why We Use The Word "Ground"
The word "ground" has several accepted meanings in engineering.
In conventional electrical engineering, it usually refers to a connection to earth or a common electrical reference point.
That is not what we are describing.
At Black Ravioli, grounding refers to providing a controlled destination for unwanted parasitic energy through our own dissipation technology, whilst remaining external to the equipment's signal path and electrical grounding system.
This distinction is important.
We are not modifying the equipment.
We are not replacing the manufacturer's grounding arrangements.
We are not altering the safety design of the equipment.
We are simply addressing unwanted parasitic energy through a different engineering approach.
Why We Don't Call Them Absorbers
Many products within audio are correctly described as absorbers, isolators or dampers.
These products typically work by introducing a mechanical interface that constrains or attenuates vibration.
They all have their place.
Our approach is different.
Rather than concentrating solely on vibration, Black Ravioli products consider unwanted parasitic energy in its broader forms.
This is why we describe them as "Grounds", rather than absorbers.
Designed To Be Transparent
Our objective has never been to change the character of a hi-fi system.
We are not trying to make a system warmer, brighter or more impressive.
Instead, our aim is to reduce unwanted parasitic energy whilst allowing the equipment to retain its own natural character.
In simple terms...
The equipment should sound more like itself.
Judging The Results
The only meaningful place to evaluate any audio product is within your own system.
Every room is different.
Every system is different.
Every listener is different.
That is why every Black Ravioli product is supplied with a 60-day home approval, allowing you to evaluate the products at home, listening to the music you know best.
We don't ask anyone to accept our explanations on faith.
We simply invite you to listen.
Independent Recognition
Our philosophy has been recognised by independent reviewers over many years.
The original Record Ground was honoured to receive ToneAudio's Analogue Product of the Year 2023.
More recently, our BR1200 Technics Turntable Feet were recognised with StereoNET's Applause Award.
Whilst we're naturally proud of these awards, what matters most to us is the experience of our customers.
Again and again, listeners describe becoming more engaged with the music rather than simply hearing different hi-fi.
To Us, It's The Music That Matters
Everything we design begins with one simple question.
Will this help people connect more closely with their music?
If the answer is yes, we're interested.
If not, we move on.
That philosophy has guided Black Ravioli from the very beginning and continues to influence every product we develop today.
"We don't ask you to believe.
We ask you to listen."
Black Ravioli
