Disconnect the pre-amp and keep the amp connected to the speakers. turn the amp on. Any noise? no? That is one level of clean.
If there is noise, then the amp or the outlet voltage (or both) is definitely not clean
now connect the pre-amp to the amp, turn them on.
Noise? No. Raise the volume on the pre-amp. noise? then something is not clean. there really should be no noise at full volume with no signal. some tube pre-amps do have noise and high volume.
Play some well recorded music. first, there should be zero noise through the system with no signal. When you play music, it should sound accurate. musical instruments should sound like real musical instruments.
If it sounds distorted or off, then it isn't clean. if there is noise, then it isn't clean. However, in listening to music, it may be not only the amp, but the other components that are contributing to the unclean sound.
A low levels, it should be "clean" accurate reproduction of the signal. you should be able to hear and distinguish the music very well, even at low levels. At higher volumes, it should remain "clean" and accurate and sound off.
enjoy
If there is noise, then the amp or the outlet voltage (or both) is definitely not clean
now connect the pre-amp to the amp, turn them on.
Noise? No. Raise the volume on the pre-amp. noise? then something is not clean. there really should be no noise at full volume with no signal. some tube pre-amps do have noise and high volume.
Play some well recorded music. first, there should be zero noise through the system with no signal. When you play music, it should sound accurate. musical instruments should sound like real musical instruments.
If it sounds distorted or off, then it isn't clean. if there is noise, then it isn't clean. However, in listening to music, it may be not only the amp, but the other components that are contributing to the unclean sound.
A low levels, it should be "clean" accurate reproduction of the signal. you should be able to hear and distinguish the music very well, even at low levels. At higher volumes, it should remain "clean" and accurate and sound off.
enjoy