2. misc-audio
  3. 132932-84906

Lowering the noise floor

I am coming to the conclusion that success in home audio reproduction is largely about lowering the noise floor. There are so many different types of “noise”, from so many different sources, that we only really “hear” by their absence.

Those components, cables, accessories and tweaks that SUCCEED at lowering the noise floor, can, and do, dramatically increase sound quality. Sometimes the type of “noise” dealt with is controversial, or not (yet) widely recognized as being a problem. Sometimes the explanation of how a product works is dubious. Sometimes the way it is marketed reeks of “snake oil”. Sometimes the reviews singing its praises go over the top. While these things will certainly put off some prospective purchasers, they do not negate the audible results that are there for anyone open to hearing them.
tommylion

Showing 1 response by cymbop

cymbop
315 posts
 
In all seriousness, the greatest contributor to the noise floor of your system just might be the refrigerator in your kitchen when its compressor is running.  In my old rental house, I would unplug that janky fridge for listening sessions... right up until my wife found melted ice cream in the freezer.  Now we've got an LG that's whisper-quiet.

Likewise, your HVAC system, when circulating air through its vents, could be an order of magnitude noisier than your power supply.  


More to discover