Is digital contamination that big of a deal?

"I've come to realize from firsthand evidence that Everybody's system is Absolutely CHOKED with all manner of electrical noise."

From my experience, I would say if you want the best possible sound our of your gear, noise issues associated with digital gear must be addressed on way or another.

IMHO, noise associated with digital gear is in most cases the secret reason why digital gets a bad rap with audiophiles, not the gear or format itself.

So best to consider it an issue and address both noise levels in the wiring and in the air.

Here are some things to cover:

1) keep physical space between components, and digital gear in particular

2) when in doubt use power cords and ICs that offer isolation/shielding from noise

3) If possible, plug analog source and amplicication components into a separate outlet from digital gear and from any other inherently noisy home items, things like flourescent lights, microwaves, computers and peripherals, etc. Separate circuits are even better if possible.

4) Do some resaerch on gear before buying to determine if users report any unusual noise issues with specific digital or switching gear like Class D amps. Newer design Class D amps tend to have better noise controls designed into them than the early models from just a few years back.

How big a deal it is depends on the quality of one's audio system and it's ability to resolve fine detail, as well as the listener's ability to discern small differences.

Good point Twb2, like a drop of food color in a glass of water compared to that same drop in a 10 gallon container. In some systems, just doesn't matter, and others can be a problem.

Harry Pearson recommended turning off your CD player while playing vinyl 25-30 yrs ago! But I never heard a difference. Either my system or my ears aren't resolving enough I guess.

06-11-15: Chazro
Harry Pearson recommended turning off your CD player while playing vinyl 25-30 yrs ago! But I never heard a difference. Either my system or my ears aren't resolving enough I guess.

Not necessarily, by any means. From a technical standpoint I see no reason whatsoever to expect two systems comprised of different designs but having equally good musical resolution, and similar sonic characteristics, to necessarily be similar in their sensitivity to digital noise.

In addition, keep in mind that digital noise is comprised of a vast number of different frequency components, that are simultaneously present. The magnitude of each of those frequency components, as they may exist at potentially sensitive locations in the system, will vary greatly depending on both the design of what is generating the noise and the path by which it is coupled to those locations. And the noise sensitivity of the circuitry at those locations will be different at different frequencies, and that variation of sensitivity at different frequencies will vary widely among different designs.

My perception over the years has been that many audiophiles make the mistake of conflating the musical resolution of a system, and sometimes also the hearing acuity of the listener, with sensitivity to hardware-related effects. There is obviously some relation, but one that is loosely correlated at best.

The bottom line, put simply and IMO, is that it's all very unpredictable.

Regards,
-- Al