[Mogul]

The level of background "hiss", placed almost behind the music, is really starting to get to me. Judging from the equipment in my sig, can anybody take a stab at what the culprit might be?

I find it is quite noticeable as soon as I turn the volume knob past 1/4 on the Gilmore Lite.

Thanks!

 

[epaludo]

That's while has music playing or in pause mode?

 

[memepool]

What kind of music do you listen to? it could also be master tape hiss on the original recording.

 

[epaludo]

Exactly, that's why i asked if it's in pause mode or not ...

 

[Mogul]

I just got home from work and double-checked: everything is silent when the amp is powered on and no music is playing.

 

[Graham Maynard]

Hi Mogul,

Set your volume control to where you hear the hiss.

Switch off your source. If the hiss disappears it was the source.

If the hiss is still there, then it is the pre-amplifier stage of your amplifier.

Cheers ....... Graham.

 

[Mogul]

Well, I think that's what I just tried. I only get the hiss when music is playing... my Gilmore is silent no matter how far I turn the knob.

My next question is, how do I know if it is the source, or something in the amp that only occurs when it is getting something from the CD player?

 

[Ichinichi]

On older recordings it may be just the sound of the tape flying passed the recorder...as with the 1969 Karajan Beethoven 9 Symphonies recording. Is this with EVERY disc?

 

[memepool]

On more modern recordings it can be the microphones / pre-amps and general room ambiance.
If there is absolute silence then this suggests it was recorded in a studio with close mics. ie. at least one mic per performer often with the performers in separate booths.
A little hiss suggests either a more basic set up or an older recording either way a little more realistic.