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 1 response by nonoise

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,549 posts
 

Ambient noise is the bane of audio listening sessions. It's why, in my crappy second floor apartment, I rarely listen in the summer when the AC is on. It's a wall unit and shares the same space as my stereo making it impossible to fully appreciate the music.

There are times when I'll go as along as two weeks without listening as it frustrates the living hell out of me. Then, when I can turn it on, the event is  almost an epiphany.

I can imagine and appreciate what a junkie goes through to get that fix.

All the best,
Nonoise

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