I have experienced the same hiss to greater or lesser extent with various components. I think it's dependent on the component (usually the preamp in my experience) but I think it's also related to the environment (ie, how many noise sources you have in your room).
In my case I usually have this noise with most preamps I've used. Usually I don't notice it unless I have my ear near the speaker, but the Exposure RC21 preamp I use to have was quite noisy. I could hear the hiss from 2 ft away. In trying to find out if it needed repair, I found that it's typical of Exposure (though caps placed over the un-used RCA inputs supposedly reduces the problem). My Dared 2000A is also susceptible, but My Rega Hal preamp, which I play on the exact same system and in the same room as the Dared and Exposure is not. The Hal is dead silent, even with my ear pressed to the speaker.
Maybe others will have a more technical explanation . . . this is just my experience.
There's another thread titled something like "Quietest Premp you ever had" that may shed more light on the subject.
In my case I usually have this noise with most preamps I've used. Usually I don't notice it unless I have my ear near the speaker, but the Exposure RC21 preamp I use to have was quite noisy. I could hear the hiss from 2 ft away. In trying to find out if it needed repair, I found that it's typical of Exposure (though caps placed over the un-used RCA inputs supposedly reduces the problem). My Dared 2000A is also susceptible, but My Rega Hal preamp, which I play on the exact same system and in the same room as the Dared and Exposure is not. The Hal is dead silent, even with my ear pressed to the speaker.
Maybe others will have a more technical explanation . . . this is just my experience.
There's another thread titled something like "Quietest Premp you ever had" that may shed more light on the subject.