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Hmm, in principle, almost every Hi-Fi amplifier exhibits a certain level of inherent background noise—known as the “noise floor”—which, at very high volume settings (full scale) and in the absence of an audio signal, can become audible through the speakers as a faint hiss or static.
Alternatively, you might want to look into what is known as Johnson noise (or Johnson-Nyquist noise).
Even my fully digital TDAI 3400 has a noise floor; this is entirely normal, a fact that was confirmed to me by Lyngdorf.
At my typical listening levels—specifically at a setting of -30 dB—this faint background noise emanating from the tweeters disappears completely. Of course, you have to place your ear right up against the tweeter to verify this. For reference, I’d estimate that -30 dB corresponds to roughly 70% on the volume dial. As a rule, I don’t listen at high volumes; my listening levels typically fluctuate between -80 dB and -65 dB—that is, between 20% and 45% of the amplifier’s maximum volume capacity.
Horn-loaded speakers tend to amplify this background noise; in my specific case—as mentioned above—this phenomenon was observed and tested using a pair of Fortes IV speakers.
With tube amplifiers, the situation can be even worse—particularly if you are using “worn-out” tubes (i.e., tubes that have already accumulated a significant number of operating hours). In such instances, the inherent noise generated by the tubes themselves compounds with the amplifier’s baseline noise floor.
I wasn’t aware that mains filters were capable of filtering out Johnson-Nyquist noise or the amplifier’s inherent noise floor! Wouldn’t that technically constitute “sonic manipulation”—meaning it alters the sound signature, either for better or for worse?
Have you ever looked into establishing a proper “gain structure” within your audio system?
For instance, I have the ability to individually adjust the input sensitivity for each source between -24 dB and 0 dB without introducing any distortion. I find the 0 dB setting to be optimal, as it eliminates the need to crank the amplifier’s master volume up to extreme levels—which, in turn, renders the amplifier’s natural background noise even less audible. But as I said, even without any music playing—and at 70% of full volume—I can no longer hear any hiss coming from the tweeters. If music were playing right now—again, at 70% of full volume—I wouldn’t be able to stand listening to it for even 10 seconds.
For instance, have you checked the output settings for your XLR or RCA connections? I also don’t know whether you are using passive or active speakers.
If you are using active speakers, see here: 
A proper gain structure means boosting the signal to its optimal level as early as possible in the signal chain, and then maintaining it at “unity gain” all the way to the amplifier inputs, where the signal is then attenuated (reduced) to the required listening level.
However, this implies that you have to physically go to the amplifier—or, in this case, to the amplifier section of your active speakers—to adjust the volume. Nowadays, it is most convenient to adjust the volume directly at the source device. Yet, doing so results in a “reverse gain staging” configuration. While optimal gain staging keeps noise and distortion to a minimum, reverse gain staging actually causes the system’s inherent background noise (hiss) to be at its highest level.
So… turn your speakers down and keep the output levels from your source device turned up higher. Set up your speakers for “normal” usage—for example, set your source device to 75% volume, and then adjust your active speakers so that they produce a comfortable listening volume. Don’t set them as loud as you might want them for those rare, high-energy moments; instead, set their maximum level to match the loudest volume you would typically use during the day. When the time comes to really crank up the music, you can simply walk over to the speakers and turn them up manually. Treat this scenario as the exception, rather than the rule. This approach also encourages you to listen to music at lower sound pressure levels (SPL), which is a healthy habit to cultivate… Sustained listening at 80 dB SPL for hours on end is simply too much for a home environment. If you are experiencing a significant amount of background noise even when you aren’t reaching levels of 80 dB, then something is definitely amiss with your setup.
Unity Gain Technologie
In audio and electronics engineering, unity gain refers to a state in which the output signal of a device corresponds exactly to the input signal (a gain factor of 1). No increase or decrease in volume occurs. This serves to minimize signal noise, prevent distortion, and ensure neutral transmission.
Advantages:
Maximum Fidelity: Minimization of noise and distortion. Ease of Use: No volume jumps when switching. Preservation of Dynamics: Ideal for high-end audio.
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I am trying to be nice since you are probably the most reasonably of audiophiles here. But this very power plant has been professionally measured. You have to have some atrociously bad mains power for it to be an improvement. As befits a company that can’t get a DAC to generate a sinewave, Power Plant can’t do that either.
The bigger issue of course is that with something built as well as say Accuphase it mkes no difference either way, they know how to make a power supply.
And here is mickey, embarrassing itself again.
Despite what your “teacher” might have told you, a degree in Furry Allyship Studies does not provide you with any comprehension of how electricity works.
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How do you know that? Have you met yet?
No! I’m not doing that!
It’s the comparisons that I find absolutely brilliant.
Just make up, you two, and everything will be fine!
Also, here’s a video—since we’re actually in the right chat now.
Please turn on the subtitles. You’ll have to read it yourself, because I don’t know if he had the audio translated using AI.
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You’re always telling me not to egg Boris on, yet here you are trying to lure the T34 out of reserve yourself! That could end badly—badly for you…
Just make up, give each other a kiss on both cheeks, and everything will be just fine!
“I didn’t know that network filters could filter out Johnson-Nyquist noise or the amplifier’s natural noise floor!”–
Of course they can’t. 
“Proper gain structure means amplifying the signal to the optimal level as early as possible in the signal chain, and then maintaining it at “unitary gain” all the way to the amplifier inputs, where the signal is attenuated (reduced) to the required listening level.”
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- This is how it has to be done to achieve high-end sound even from the best devices. Many make such elementary mistakes. And for this, you need to ensure the cascade of input-output matching of individual elements of the audio chain. In this respect, I fully support your opinion.
- This is how it has to be done to achieve high-end sound even from the best devices. Many make such elementary mistakes. And for this, you need to ensure the cascade of input-output matching of individual elements of the audio chain. In this respect, I fully support your opinion.
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