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Enough noise reduction?

Curious at what point noise reduction could be considered "good enough".

Currently running a Denafrips Aeris ll DAC

Frequency Response: 20-70KHz -3dB

THD+N: 0.004%

S/N Ratio: 115dB

Dynamic Range: >119dB

Stereo Crosstalk: -124dB

 

Denafrips Hades preamp 

Frequency Response: 10-80kHz（-0.3dB）

THD+N: 0.00045%

S/N Ratio: 122dB

Dynamic Range: >121dB

Stereo Crosstalk: -110dB

Input Impedance: 60k Ω

Output Impedance: 200 Ω

Gain: Unity Gain 0dB

 

And Denafrips Hyperion amplifier 

Gain: 26dB

Output Power: 80w RMS per channel into 8ohms

Frequency Response: 10-80kHz（-2.2dB）

THD+N: 0.00078%

S/N Ratio: 125dB

Dynamic Range: >121dB

Stereo Crosstalk: -110dB

 

Currently all power cords are Shunyata Delta NR v1. 

So, the bug has bitten once again and I have been interested in experimenting with something different in power cords. Maybe Zavfino, Cullen or something of the sort. 

The one thing that has held me back at this point is with such low noise floors already on the components is there really any need to be concerned about giving up what additional reduction the Shunyata are providing. 

The Shunyata are very good. Just curious if there may be other brands out there on the used that may have better synergy or that I find more engaging with my set up.

 

bgpoppab
kota1
2,706 posts
 

Look into add-powr products, worked for me

erik_squires
16,878 posts
 

This thread had made me realize that a measurement not usually taken or published is power supply noise reduction ratio.

We get the S/N+THD specs, and these assume ideal AC power.  We also should see something like how well AC noise can make it to the audio outputs.  Not an impossible test.

lak's avatar
lak
4,751 posts
 

The answer to your question is NO! If you like what you hear be happy with it and enjoy the music.

"So, the bug has bitten once again and I have been interested in experimenting with something different in power cords. Maybe Zavfino, Cullen, or something of the sort".

If you are like me when the bug bits it's just a matter of time until I end up with a purchase either new or used. Your system looks good to me and replacing power cords could be futile however you never know until you try a replacement. If you can't be happy with what you have I would suggest just purchasing one power cord of your choice and after the break-in period try it on each component and be your own judge.

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,358 posts
 

This might be a silly question and I’m not looking to start a fight, but what power cords did Denafrips use to make their measurements? Was it the cord they sent with? 
 

I have a Pontus ll and the power cord that came with it never came out of the box.

yage
401 posts
 

We get the S/N+THD specs, and these assume ideal AC power.

I highly doubt that Stereophile and ASR are using lab power supplies for their measurements.

 

ASR’s SNR measurement of the Ares II puts it at 120 dB using the balanced out, so excellent performance without aftermarket power cords.

 

You will most likely never hear any sound at -120 dBFS unless you’re in an anechoic chamber and even then the noise that your own body generates will probably dominate your auditory sense.

 

To give you a more practical demonstration, try this sound test at Audiocheck.net. It plays a voice decreasing at 6 dB intervals starting at full scale level. Adjust your volume control so the first voiceover is at the usual loudness you listen to. Once you can barely hear the voice, you’ve found the lowest threshold of noise you can detect.

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