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RE: How useful is a spectrum analyzer in tackling noise in a sound system?

Posted by Karma16 (A) on March 13, 2009 at 19:21:17

In Reply to: How useful is a spectrum analyzer in tackling noise in a sound system? posted by Christopher Witmer on March 13, 2009 at 14:35:20:

HI,
I have a Tektronix Audio Frequency spectrum analyzer. It's an analog instrument. I have also run a hi end repair shop for 12 years with the analyzer in the shop. I seldom used it. I have been seriously into the technical side of audio for over 40 years. I work in electronics. IOW, I have some technical experience.

From your question, I have little idea of your objectives. So, I will answer in a rather general way. I sense you do have an objective. You should or this will be a waste of time. I feel you are seriously under estimating the difficulty of the issue.

To take your questions in order:
1. Not very for noise. They can be very useful for distortion analysis. The problem is that modern amplifiers, especially solid state, have such low noise and distortion that is takes a state-of-the-art analyzer to give useful information. This is less true for tube equipment which, generally, have higher distortion.
2. Yes, but the big problem is learning to interpret the findings. This takes a lot of experience.
3. Buying used is practical if you buy a good instrument. Otherwise, don't waste your money.
4. Yes. The scope is far more generally useful.
6. I think your curiosity is healthy. I do think you are in over your head but that's were many of us started. Who knows, you may be the next genius of audio.
7. Far too many people think the technical side of audio is passe. I can assure you that all audio manufacturers rely on test equipment as primary tools. Only in the last phases of development do they tune and voice the equipment by ear. It is here, generally, that test equipment offers little help.

So, your quest is not an empty one. But, do not expect to uncover the mysteries of fine sounding audio equipment with test equipment. Instead, you must rely on the best equipment available----your ears; and they are free!!

Sparky

Edited to correct spelling.

Edits: 03/14/09

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