What is the optimal temperature/humidity for audio


I have often wondered how the climate inside the listening room affects the overall performance of audio playback. I have found on many occasions that my system sounds best on a hot and humid summer night. I supppose that the density of the air acts as some sort of acoustic filter in certain conditions. What are your thoughts?
bikerduud
My opinion: Very cold with low humidity. The details and sound stage are amazing. Problem is the family complains.
I read that moisture in the air does make a system sound better and laughed at the time. Now I think there may be something to it as I do seem to hear an improvement while listening on humid or rainy days. Go figure.
High humidity seems to improve the way my system sounds. That has always been a back burner theory of mine, it's good to hear that others have noticed this.

Perhaps in the future we may see some audio humidifiers for beaucoup buckeroos.
High humidity makes the system sound dry and brittle. If your source is a CDP then you probably don't mind since that's how they sound anyway. I have to run a humidifier in my room during the winter, or the system is almost unlistenable!

My main source is vinyl, so this is a big issue. The cartridge and the LP need some humidity in the air to keep from building up and releasing static electricity. The difference is not subtle in my room... in the summer I have to run a dehumidifier though... so whatever the answer is, it's somewhere in the middle...

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Nrchy exactly what CDP did you use for the dry brittle sound? I have yet to hear one.
I have never heard on that didn't sound dry and brittle... your ears must be soo much better than mine!

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Nrchy, Be warned. I just saw a bunch of guys down the street from you putting on some white sheets, heating up tar, cutting up some feather pillows, and chopping down a telephone pole. If I were you I'd not answer my door after dark! THEY'RE COMING TO GET YA!!!!!:-)
It varies by component. Several catridge makers will actually include a recommended range. Metal dome tweeter sound off when the temperature sinks to low. Paper cone/rubber cone drivers can be sensitive to humidity. But looking at it from the equipment's POV is probably backwards. Temperature and humidity will effect the listener far more directly and I would suggest it's best to set them with that in mind. If you're not physically comfortable, then how are you going to enjoy music?
Nrchy, I have read on AA what a jerk you are. I now know what he was talking about. You truly are a jerk.
Vegasrear, you can read all you want on AA, I'm not an alcoholic, and I don't post on any other audio websites other than audiogon, so how would anyone there know what a jerk I am???

If you are ever in Wisconsin, I would be happy to step out from behind my keyboard and discuss this like men, or do you just call people names from "the safety of being out of range?"

My CDP is better than yours, and it still doesn't sound as good as my TT, but you're probably not able to make that assessment in your system since your TT isn't very good either...

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The gentleman, Nrchy, is entitled to his opinion of cd players. I don't call a guy a jerk if he happens to like anchovie pizza and I don't. It's often the person doing the name calling that most resembles the accusation made.
Sorry biker dude, I wrote my 12-4 post backwards. Low humidity, or very dry air makes a system sound dry and brittle... my mistake!!!

What do you ride? I have two of my bikes pictured in 'my system.'

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When the environment gets cold and frosty around you, it is definitely optimal.

Immerse yourself in music, as nothing improves the mood more than a great listening session. Forget the worries of the day and the constant stress from spouse, family and job. It beats alcohol and is better than any drug in existence! Descend into the cave and return re-envigorated - with all the more energy and patience to help those around you.

....Zen and the Art of Audio System Maintenance