Power supply hum transmitted to loudspeakers


I know the issue of hum and buzz has been discussed endlessly. Is it not almost universal that all amplifiers with power transformers have some low level power supply noise that will cause minimal leakage hum, buzz, or hiss through the loudspeaker with your ear close enough and no inputs to the amp connected?
Is this considered the noise floor of the amplifier? According to Galen Carol's website, if you can't hear it through the music and your system sounds the way you want it to, this idle noise should be ignored. Any thoughts?


normie57

Showing 3 responses by normie57

Thanks for all your thoughtful responses.
I realize that this discussion has as much to do with psychology as electronics.  What's easy for some to ignore or even sound soothing, drives others crazy...as Mr Spock used to say 'fascinating'. 
As I really enjoy the amplifiers I will try to ignore the idle buzz, barely audible from listening chair, and enjoy the music. I have read for years that idle noise rides on the music, which has led me to believe my enjoyment might be improved by eliminating it. I'm gonna discard that notion, realizing it might be true, and just put on another record or CD asap so I don't hear the buzz at idle.  I don't want to sell the amps just to replace it with one that's dead silent and perhaps not as musically satisfying!  Enjoy and thanks!

A question for Atmashere/Ralph:(and others who care to contribute)

With your fine OTLs and the sensitive loudspeakers you often use, can you hear any noise/hiss 1-2 ft from your loudspeakers at idle? My VAC amps and my AudioNote Kit Interstage Monoblocks both have low level buzz audible 1 ft from my KEF Ref 3's, not particularly sensitive loudspeakers. This occurs when they are plugged directly into dedicated outlets or my Torus isolation transformer. Thanks!
I'd like to share an observation.  Two days ago I moved my audio system to a really silent room that my stepson vacated. The room is extremely quiet but the components are closer as are the loudspeakers.
 Now that background noise has been virtually eliminated I can say that my two amplifiers that I thought were dead silent have minor transformer hum and there is a very minor buzz from my loudspeakers. Perhaps Brian is correct, above, concluding all components have very minor electrical or mechanical noise which should be ignored if not audible from the listening position.