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Who has solved the HVAC air noise problem?

I am in the redesign stage of a totally dedicated listening room which will inlcude tube amp, pre-amp and cd player. The reconstruction will include a flat ceiling and tons of sound isolation and insulation. The central air system for the house with constant air flow produces way too much background noise and hum through the vents. I want to add a separate dedicated a/c system for just this room (25Lx15W x 9.5H). I am looking for the advice of those who have managed to baffle internally in the ducts sufficiently to eliminate the air flow noise and machine hum, while still having an effective a/c system. I want an invisable a/c system with five overhead vents. Duct size should not be a problem as the walls will be at least 12" thick at one end. I presume that fiberglass or lined/insulated sheet metal with all surfaces covered are the way to go. BUT, I really don't know. What I know is that I want to be able to never hear the environment, only the music.

All thoughts welcome including my obvious need for more therapy.

Bill E.
lakefrontroad

Showing 1 response by albertporter

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albertporter
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I would like to call attention to the central unit itself, the working part of the system. This is often located on the same floor level, and even worse if situated near the listening room.

Since this houses the electronics, blower motor and fan assembly, it is a major source of mechanical noise and vibration. Installing sound absorbing fiberglass within the walls of this utility closet will go a long way toward killing these noises.

I went one step farther. Had a custom (extra thick) solid core exterior door and frame with threshold built for my utility closet. It was then weather-stripped with the rubber gasket system for severe weather. Made an unbelievable difference by closing up the last cracks and vents that leaked noise into the space.

The previous suggestions coupled with mine can reduce the various sources of noise to almost inaudible levels.
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