How important is S/N Ratio....?

hmmmm... Well building an amplifier with exceptional Signal to Noise ratio will mean super stiff power supplies and better components. So I expect the sound will be much better in such a component.
PS. I can't hear any noise in my system when I press my ears up to the speakers between track change. So I guess this is good news. But I use active ATC speakers with Bel Canto DAC3 with everything connected to a PS audio PPP so that might be expected.

Well noise in coming from Vinyl is a part of the playback which I think is totally different from the noise generated from an amplifier. Noise coming from the playback of analog sources is inherent to the technology itself, where physical contact is required. However, the noise from an amplifier is more like a flawed power supply and interference issue.

I know I am intruding to a 2 person discussion here but theories do suggest that an amplifier with low noise means a good power supply and a product of a good circuit designer. Low distortion generally means an amplifier that gives less fatigue to the listener. Of course different distortions contribute to a different sound. Since these topics have long been covered and tested before why not let's move on to an issue on the effect of amplifier damping on a loudspeaker because it seems that there is a trend of going for a very high damping in the amplifier industry of late, and with good results.

Long time audiophile magazine reader here.
Best
Alexander

Wavetrader,
I will love to upgrade the components n my components too, but have you ever wondered whether it might be detrimental to the flow of current when you use different solders to what was originally used on the circuit boards? Like the interactions between different alloys and the also the matter of whether the components will be mounted as stably as the ones originally supplied. Nowadays it's all surface mount. These are the main concerns that are preventing me to do such risky modifications. But if the amplifier is made by hand when purchased, I won't have any problems with that.