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For crying out loud

If you have the option, and you haven't done so, try turning off the display's on your digital gear. I know that I tried this years ago and, discerning no difference, concluded that this was just one of those anal audio things. Well, my system has evolved since then and I accidentally turned off the display on my Modwright Sony. I am now realizing improved definition and detail, voices are more natural, instruments have a more realistic timbre, images are better defined, and everything emerges from a blacker background. I really feel like a nincompoop. Here I am rolling tubes, shifting footers and stuff, and all along, a significant improvement was a push of the button away.
phaelon
optimationman
7 posts
 
I have a highly modded Arcam alpha 5 NOS, and Philips 963sa with a dimming display. These are directly connected to tube mono amps and dynaudios. I believe that I can hear the difference in strategically changed resistors. There is only two caps in the signal path and changes here are easily discernible. I can't detect the display on/off difference in the Arcam, nor the video off circuit switch on the Philips! So much for my golden ears, but I still use the features and enjoy the music!!!
bpwalsh
1,207 posts
 
Yes, this is a solid recommendation for most units. It's not a new tweak but is very helpful. The players here have displays with adjustable brightness including being turned off, but because they have separate dedicated power supplies for the displays, turning off the displays is not necessary for best sound.
chrissain
470 posts
 
all displays radiate noise , some more than others, this is what you are hearing, turning off the display lowers the noise floor, and its measurable !!!
sebrof's avatar
sebrof
837 posts
 
>>10-21-10: Chrissain
all displays radiate noise , some more than others, this is what you are hearing, turning off the display lowers the noise floor, and its measurable !!! <<

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chrissain
470 posts
 
I remember a article in stereophile years ago on jitter, and john atkinson was able to measure more jitter with the display on than off. I have also have had conversations with John Stronzer from BEl Canto where he mentioned that all displays radiate noise, and it is measurable, he actually puts some sort of filter between his displays and the boards, just to reduce noise. interestingly blue leds and displays generate the most noise.
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