One of the amps in What used to be my primary system developed a transformer hum and it drove me crazy. The amps are from the eighties and I had them serviced a few years back and I asked the tech about the hum and he said what hum? To me it’s very noticeable anywhere in the room and he had to have an ear right above the transformer to hear. Someday I have to replace that transformer (about $550) but I’m in no hurry.
Background noise.
I was just reminded of how critical the ambient noise level is to appreciating a good system.
Because the air quality has not been that good over the last week. I had turned on my air cleaner in the next room, on low, about 25 feet away from my audio seat… and 33’ from my speakers. The air filter is not noisy and set on low. I do not notice it when not listening to music while sitting in my audio chair.
I was listening to a vinyl album I know well. I appreciated that I could not hear a bit of surface noise, not even a little. But it seemed like something was missing… the full dynamics of the album.
Finally I remembered the air filter was on. I turned it off. Wow. What a difference. My system’s noise floor is way below my room’s with the air filter on… even though it is really difficult to hear the air filter without the system on.
Ambient noise is really important… even when at the threshold of perception. Distant refrigerators, laundry… or air conditioners.