Lowering the Noise Floor
LTNF in the Soundstage Hi-Fi Listening Room
“ Music is the space between the notes ”
― Claude Debussy
What is Lowering the Noise Floor?
"It's all about reducing unwanted noise or interference - because a clean foundation allows us to connect with the music on a deeper level."
As Fraser from AIRT explains, "By lowering the noise floor, you will better connect with your music, transforming your already great hi-fi system into an exceptional one."
The noise floor refers to the background noise level in an audio system when no signal is present. So by lowering the noise floor, you can significantly enhance audio quality.
AIRT are at the forefront of using the principles of LTNF, and work with like-minded brands such as Stillpoints, Acustica Applicata, Entreq and OePhi Acoustics.
You can elevate your listening experience by applying the three key principles of Lowering the Noise Floor: 1. Acoustically, 2. Electrically, and 3. Mechanically.
1. Acoustically
By strategically placing acoustic treatments, both reflective and absorptive surfaces, at critical locations within your listening space, you can fully realise the true nature of your loudspeakers, source, and amplifier.
The Italian brand Acustica Applicata offers some of the most effective solutions for room acoustics.
Their sleek, minimalist designs function like sonic sponges, absorbing low and mid-range frequencies that can often obscure clarity. Notably, acoustic traps, variable resonators & sound harmonisers like the DaaD2, Daad3 and Halifax are remarkably versatile; they can be easily positioned, repositioned, and adjusted to achieve your desired sound.
This setup helps reduce distortion, resulting in a more natural and organic listening experience while controlling troublesome lower and mid-range frequencies to unveil the true potential of your hi-fi system.
2. Electrically
Grounding Boxes
By separating the signal ground from the power system, grounding boxes provide a stable reference point, enhancing sound clarity, dynamics, and the overall listening experience.
Known as the "godfathers of grounding," Entreq grounding boxes effectively clean up sound by absorbing and diverting noise away from the system, establishing a new "ground zero."
Incorporating grounding boxes into your hi-fi set-up can often bring greater depth to the soundstage, along with increased detail and texture. You’ll notice that instruments retain a more natural quality - a trombone sounding distinctly like a trombone.
Shunyata Everest 8000 on an HRS stand
Power Distributors & Cables
Entreq's main competitor for grounding & electrical treatment supremacy is Shunyata, a name derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "void" or "emptiness." While other cable companies may add colour, tone, and texture, Shunyata cables aim to enhance your system by reducing noise and distortion, allowing its true capabilities to shine.
At this year's High-End Show in Munich, we spoke with Will Kline from Shunyata, who emphasised, “The foundation of a good system is the power. Start with the power, because if that’s compromised, everything else will be too.” He noted that many spend years swapping hi-fi components, trying to resolve issues that could be fixed simply by investing in a quality power cable.
We’re passionate about how Shunyata can elevate even mid-range hi-fi systems. Adding one of their Everest 8000 power distributors to your setup results in a calmer, more detailed sound, combine this with the HRS stand, and it’s a revelation!
3. Mechanically
Mechanical treatment applies to the energy generated by audio equipment and the acoustic feedback from sound waves in the room. By addressing the mechanical and physical-electrical transfer of energy within your hi-fi system, you can dramatically enhance audio performance.
The U.S. brand Stillpoints produces isolation devices that allow your electronics and loudspeakers to metaphorically "float." Stillpoints stands and pucks absorb unwanted vibrations that can distort sound quality.
By incorporating Stillpoints isolation, your hi-fi system can perform authentically, leading to greater musical insight and transparency. This approach pairs well with Entreq grounding boxes and cables.
Book a listening session in our dedicated demo room, and hear the difference these LTNF components can make to your hi-fi!
Airt Audio is a UK-based distributor of high-end audio equipment that aims to deliver a more authentic musical experience