Cerwin Vega owner

:) 

I know a thing or two about acoustics, waves, standing waves, frequencies and electronics in general. I also know what there is to know about amplification classes and tube amps. I know what english EQ is and I can definitely distinguish the cons  in compression algorithms.

I think my point is I want something tangible that is reproduceable that point to a specific "item" in sound reproduction that cannot be done with my basic setup. For example, amps have the THD descriptor, some "cheaper ones" has a 0.9% where better ones have maybe 0.09. If someone can tell me how to "hear this" I am very open to learn about this. Or, how you can tell me how your sound changes if you change your 8 foot speaker cable to another gauge and what that sounds like. I hope i dont sound confrontational, I am here to learn. 

As far as THD, it will be most noticeable whenever your volume is turned up and the source is muted.  It will be a hiss. 

I would never use anything less than 14-gauge speaker wire, depending on distance and wattage.  I am not sure how to describe the difference in sound with words between different gauges of wire, but you will hear it with good speakers!  16 gauge is way too thin.  I like to use oxygen free finely stranded thinned wire of at least 12 or 10 gauge. The material, construction, manner of extrusion and other variables of the wire has a lot to do with it also.

Specs are a good reference point but should not be the deciding factor when you buy something but a THD of .9% is very high and undesirable though. To me the musicality of any audio component is the most important aspect.  People can give you suggestions, but everyone's system, room and ears will be different.  Musicality is something that only you can judge in person in your specific room, ears and with your equipment.

This link gives you some basic info, but there are many other specs such as damping factor, slew rate, amplifier class etc. to consider that you can google.  YouTube is also a good source. Understanding Amplifier Power Output Specifications (lifewire.com)

If there is a specific question that you have feel free to send me a message.  I'll do my best to answer for you!

I suggest you stay away from critical listening skills a remain happy with your system. 

ellajeanelle

As far as THD, it will be most noticeable whenever your volume is turned up and the source is muted. It will be a hiss.

Huh? You need a signal to measure THD. While all THD is noise by definition, not all noise is THD. Hiss is not THD, which by definition is harmonic distortion.

cleeds

What I can say is that with all things being equal, an amp with lower THD will have less hiss with NO SIGNAL when you put your ear next to a tweeter. The components inside of an amp are not silent.

1. • Hiss is one form of distortion. It often manifests as a faint, high-frequency noise in the background.
   • High THD can contribute to increased hiss because it distorts the audio signal, including any inherent noise. As THD decreases, the overall noise level also decreases.