2. amps-preamps
  3. 129321-7415

Does anyone notice a reduction in sound quality when a tuner is part of ther audio chain?

I notice that when my tuner is taken out of my audio rack/chain that the sound quality from my system is significantly better. I like the sound of my tuner but when disconnecting it I find the cd player has a much quieter overall sound.  If my tuner is attached but turned off I still find the sound quality less than if the tuner is disconnected completely. Is my best option to simply disconnect the interconnects from the tuner to the preamp when not using the tuner? Would a better preamp resolve this issue or is it a matter of  RF leakage that would happen with any preamp?
128x128mitchb
sfall
346 posts
 
" I just find it real intriguing to hear that sort of experience."

Just to give you another example, I had the same type of problem when I bought a cheap mass market player (Sony 9000ES) to try SACD. When the Sony was in the system, my other components took a noticeable hit in SQ. The fix was a JPS Digital AC powercord and an ESP line conditioner.
theo's avatar
theo
2,674 posts
 
My first thought is grounding. What type of antenna are you using?
Does the tuner have a 3 prong plug, if so try lifting the ground and also disconnect the antenna when you have it in the system and see if you can isolate the problem. Just a though.
jl35
3,966 posts
 
there was an interesting response here a few years ago, from Charles Hansen of Ayre, suggesting to unplug one's complete video system when listening to music system...
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
I understand the noise from televisions, particularly plasma design, etc., affecting the signal but haven’t experienced any difference when using the CDP with or without my Node2 streamer on or off. Maybe its because I have set the Node2 several feet away from the rest of the system for optimal WiFi reception. I was also strongly encouraged to get a much better/insulated power cord and plugged into a power conditioner using a dedicated 20 amp circuit. But I’m assuming we are talking about noise that is being transmitted "over the air" and picked up in the audio path.
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