2. misc-audio
  3. 179956-9627

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. 

ghdprentice

Showing 4 responses by ditusa

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,681 posts
 

@panzrwagn Wrote:

Also, regarding high efficiency systems, they benefit greatly from being properly gain staged so that you don't hear noise when the system is idling. Ideally, you want your preamp/line stage to clip within 3-6 db after the power amps. It's common to see preamps operating 10-12dB or even more gain than is necessary, and that robs the system of that much dynamic range and results like hissing horns at idle.  Turn the amps input sensitivity down, and drive the preamp harder. That leaves the noise levels down.

I agree! 

Mike

 

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,681 posts
 

@j-wall Wrote:

I have a small fan in my music room and when I click it on, even with the Shunyata power conditioner, you can hear the fan click on and off.

Power conditioning, see page 38 below:

Mike

 

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,681 posts
 

@lanx0003 Wrote:

A well designed amplifier should not rely on both heatsink and fans for thermo control even Class A. When I see an amplifier has heatsink but is still equipped with fans like Emotiva or Crown, I will turn away immediately even the price point is attractive and even the saleman / reviewers tell me you will probably not hear them.

 

What Emotiva amp do you own that has a fan for cooling.

Mike

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,681 posts
 

@lanx0003,

Thank you! I was not aware of those two models. I own the Emotiva XPA-1L generation 2 monoblock amps and XPA-1 generation 2 monoblock amps they do not have fans. See below:

Mike

https://www.av.com/Home-Cinema/Emotiva-XPA-1-Black-Gen2-Monoblock-Power-Amplifier/4DOJ

 

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