Interesting thread. Viridian's correct about CD "silence".
One caveat is that one has to be very careful with cartridge selection. I find that some cartridges diminish surface noise, or don't pick it up. The experts tell me this has to do with stylus shape, polish, record condition, and of course setup. I also find on some of the very best clasical records with wide dynamic range (say Chopin) the artifacts one hears in the pianissimo passages are that of the recording venue and the recording electronics, not the record itself. A good "front end' will clearly delineate this for you so you can "bracket it" as you become a more perceiving listener. So there is another factor to throw in in your search for perfection. Accepting the journey with its singularity is the end in itself.
One caveat is that one has to be very careful with cartridge selection. I find that some cartridges diminish surface noise, or don't pick it up. The experts tell me this has to do with stylus shape, polish, record condition, and of course setup. I also find on some of the very best clasical records with wide dynamic range (say Chopin) the artifacts one hears in the pianissimo passages are that of the recording venue and the recording electronics, not the record itself. A good "front end' will clearly delineate this for you so you can "bracket it" as you become a more perceiving listener. So there is another factor to throw in in your search for perfection. Accepting the journey with its singularity is the end in itself.