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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
boxer12
1,703 posts
 
I run high efficiency Lowther speakers. They pick up everything. FWIW... What has helped my system is running everything except the mono amps through an Exact Power SP15 transformer. Also, I've found that I need to keep the SUT away from the other electronics. Well shielded  interconnects & power chords are also a must. 
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audiobrian
96 posts
 
I believe most amplifiers/systems have some very minimal noise audible through the loudspeakers at idle. Some have background AC, ceiling fans, pool pumps etc which make this noise floor less or perceptibly inaudible.  I own some Clayton monoblocks which I love, have had their power supply upgraded, but still has a small amount of buzz at the loudspeakers, not audible while playing music beautifully.(with and without shorting plugs). I've learned to ignore it and realize the amplifier was meant to play music, not to necessarily be dead silent at idle.
Good luck!

normie57 OP
33 posts
 
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!

gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
You're welcome normie57. Not to belabor this but frankly I wouldn't be able to ignore "the idle buzz, barely audible from listening chair" and if you are a perfectionist like I am I think the fact that you will "try to ignore" it can be futile. If you are within one inch of the amp and can hear something that's a different story and would be considered normal. Even then I would try to eliminate it. But noise from the equipment, heard at the listening position is a show stopper in my view. 
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