Need A Quick Education

What about those of us with horns? You'd better pay SOME attention to the S/N ratio, because you'll hear the N quite a bit if you don't. Just hope the manufacturer posts accurate/honest measurements. Wait... did someone say you just have to listen?

Trey is right to ask - I have a pre/pro that has a S/N ratio that is "better than 90db A weighted", and at idle it sounds a little like listening to the inside of a seashell with my Klipsch la Scalas.

Mwilson,
S/N in this case is more for the amplifier domain than in preamp and low-powered amps for horns usually have S/N much higher than 90dB.

Maybe I should back up a bit and restate what I am asking. I am trying to understand SNR as it applies to a preamp. What does it mean? How important is it? Is there a good "benchmark" number to look for on a SS pre. Is >100dB better than 90dB? If yes/no, why? Believe me, I will always try to listen to the equipment first, when possible and I have always trusted my ears when it comes to equipment purchases. I put "little" stock into stats as well but they can at least point you in a certain direction when comparison with your senses is not possible.

Marakanetz,
S/N ratio isn't measured for speakers, you're thinking of sensitivity (also reported in dB).

Treyhoss,

S/N ratio is the same specification for CD players, tape decks, and pre-amps. It is the ration of the noise generated by the electronics themselves to the desired signal passing through those electronics. So, all other things being equal, the higher the S/N ratio, the better the gear since the less noise (junk, trash, grain, etc) it will add to the audio signal.

That said, the others (and you) are right. A pre- with a S/N ratio of 110 dB is not automatically better than a pre- with a S/N ratio of 100 dB. I would think that most competent designers could manage a S/N ratio of >90 dB, though.