Grounding Telos Audio Foundation Ground Core

Active grounding device with separate digital and analogue branches and switchable correction frequencies

The Foundation Ground Core is an active grounding device from the Foundation series, introduced by Telos Audio Design in 2025 as a modular grounding core for hi-fi systems. It builds on the active grounding architecture of the Earth Grounding Master series, developed over six years, and delivers up to 40 % of the flagship's performance in a more compact chassis. The unit works with low-impedance grounding, which drains interfering potentials from the chassis and signal grounds of the connected components.

The construction follows the GNR / QRC chassis dimensional standard, preserving module compatibility as well as system integration. The chassis is fully CNC-machined from aluminium alloy, achieving high rigidity and low resonance transferred to the internal circuits. The surface features an anodised finish with a fine brushed texture, while the front panel echoes the design language of the Master and Supreme series. Internally, the device uses Telos' own chips and active module cores, complemented by CPU voltage regulation, which according to the manufacturer increases stability by 40 % and suppresses supply voltage fluctuation.

Six grounding terminals are split into two independent branches: terminals 1–3 are intended for digital devices (CD player, music server, DAC), terminals 4–6 for analogue components (turntable, preamplifier, power amplifier). The separated routing prevents high-frequency interference from the digital section reaching sensitive analogue circuits; in larger systems two units can be used to physically separate the branches. Grounding circuit elements with low output impedance and higher current capacity, together with GNR Noise Resistance technology, reduce the level of ground noise — the result is a quieter background, more precise instrument localisation and more legible micro-detail.

New to the series is a switchable correction frequency module offering 7.83 / 432 / 528 Hz, which allows the tonal character of the system to be fine-tuned: 7.83 Hz emphasises the low end, 432 Hz the midrange and vocals, 528 Hz the treble and spatial information; in the no-signal position no correction frequency is active. The tuning is complemented by a specific solder alloy with higher conductivity, which helps reduce distortion caused by ground noise. The modular layout leaves room for later expansion. Accessories include six Spade–Spade grounding cables 1.5 m long, a 1.8 m power cord and three T2A 5 × 20 mm fuses; power supply 100–120 V or 200–240 V / 50–60 Hz, weight 7.7 kg.

Key features

• Separate branches: Three terminals for digital, three for analogue
• Correction frequencies: Switchable 7.83 / 432 / 528 Hz modules
• Low impedance: Higher current capacity of the grounding circuit
• CPU voltage regulation: Stability higher by 40 %
• CNC chassis: Low-resonance aluminium alloy