I guess the best solution to avoid the fan noise from the amp is don’t buy them. Keeping the working temperature under control for an amplifier and prevent it from overheating is part of design process. 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.
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.
