All electronics generate some level of "stochastic" noise, due to random electron movement. Some are better than others in this department, but it is not at all uncommon to be able to hear a "hiss" when you put your ears near the speakers. It has nothing at all to do with the speakers; it is generated by the powered circuits. That said, Rotel is not exactly the end-all for electronics, and should be your first upgrade. Your thoughts about trading up to a Creek or Classe or Bryston integrated are right on target.
Tweeter hiss?
Hi, I'm new to the world of hi-fi and audiogon and was hoping someone out there could help me.
When I have my amp turned on (an integrated) with the speakers connected, but not the CD player, I hear a hiss coming from the tweeters of both speakers. This is with the volume completely turned down. Is this normal? If I turn the volume up the noise increases. It's not very loud by any means - I need to be within a foot of the speaker to notice it. Is there something wrong with my amp or speakers? If music is playing then the hiss is covered by music. I am also unhappy with my systems general "brightness" and fatigue factor and I wonder if this is related to my hiss-tweeter problem.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
(Rotel integrated, B&W 601s3, audioquest cable)
When I have my amp turned on (an integrated) with the speakers connected, but not the CD player, I hear a hiss coming from the tweeters of both speakers. This is with the volume completely turned down. Is this normal? If I turn the volume up the noise increases. It's not very loud by any means - I need to be within a foot of the speaker to notice it. Is there something wrong with my amp or speakers? If music is playing then the hiss is covered by music. I am also unhappy with my systems general "brightness" and fatigue factor and I wonder if this is related to my hiss-tweeter problem.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
(Rotel integrated, B&W 601s3, audioquest cable)