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Noise reduction -why the rage now ?

Is it better science ? Or more needed today with the ’surge’ of switching power supplies, smart phones and Wi-Fi routers ? Then, higher-frequencies in digital interfaces -now megahertz and gigahertz.

The problem with the "needed more today" theory is that one, listeners are hearing things they never heard before. One report is from Paul of PS Audio (on his blog) stating that a 4K power cord transformed his system. Yet he sells a Power Plant.

Two, many reports of lower noise (in the last 10 years) were in systems with linear power supplies, not switch-mode.

Three, for digital, many people were using AES/EBU or i-squared interfaces. These don’t have the noise concerns of USB.

Fourth, many people listen at night. They know better, due to the problems of a noisy day-grid.

Yet, there it is -large gains from the latest power conditioners, ground blocks and after-market power cords. To me, today’s science is much better at doing this. Along with the "need today".
jonnie22

Showing 1 response by snapsc

snapsc
661 posts
 
Noise Reduction - Why the Rage?

I suspect that an an additional factor about the more recent 'buzz' (pun intended) around noise reduction is that ASR is shining a light on noise with their SINAID analysis (signal relative to noise+distortion) and then publishing a ranking of products with an occasional  reference to the actual sound quality.

This analysis may be getting a few things right and a few things wrong...but putting it all out there in this manner has to be getting the attention of a lot of companies and causing them to think about how to respond.

Take a look at post #97...and imagine that you are Border Patrol...on one hand getting a lot of accolades from many reviewers and many customers...and on the other hand getting blasted by inference that the review is not based on measurement and so how good can the product really be.

And, imagine that you are a company that has driven your SINAID numbers to vanishing low levels and you didn't think the sound was quite right...so you tweaked to get the sound where you wanted it, your SINAID numbers dropped slightly and now all of a sudden you are no longer recommended...fortunately though, your customers still love your product.
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