Humidity

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Originally posted by David Quigley:
This morning feels like the first day of autumn - bright and clear and no hummidity. Coincidentally (or not) my system sounds like it is on steroids -after sounding a bit lack lustre for a while.

Possible contributing factors:

1. Humidity causes people to use air-conditioners impacting available juics and increasing noise levels.

2. Lower levels of moisture makes it easier for the air to vibrate and thus system sounds better

3. I woke up in a musical mood, this morning, after a few beers and a glass of whiskey!

Opinions?

David

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I would go for No. 2. Here in Singapore where it is humid, having the airconditioner on while listening is so much better. Also, IMHO, humidity affects one's well-being, the discomfort probably affecting hearing.

But when it gets too cold, the sound also becomes thinner-sounding, more forward treble. Just the right normal temperature is best for me. Just my experience... and I'd recommend the airconditioner in humid weather as a great tweak.

CDs and records also remain fungus-free, as well as speaker drivers - even when the airconditioner is turned on only when listening, probably 2-3 hours on weekdays, and humid the whole day without airconditioning (to save on power bills). This will be a boon to DBL users with their foam surrounds. I had my Proac Response 3s for over 5 years with their foam drivers, and it's well past its 6th year now with the new owner, and the drivers are still pristine ...

...nope it lasted all day - and the beer had definetely worked off. Its back to being humid again today, so we will have to see tonight.

Joseph - do you use a de-humidifier as well. I hate the noise of air conditioning and was thinking about getting one of those.

Regards,David

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Joseph - do you use a de-humidifier as well. I hate the noise of air conditioning and was thinking about getting one of those.

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No, David, I don't ... just look for the quietest airconditioner you can find. This would be the split-aircon type, however, wall-mounted. See example -> http://www.daikin.be/internet/denv/content.nsf/557d7fb9835ac0d1c12569df003b23b2/0d363143e6cd7aeac1256ab1002e08d2?OpenDocument

Then the condenser unit can be situated away from the hifi room ...

Check out the following thread

http://forums.naim-audio.com/eve/forums?a=tpc&s=67019385&f=48019385&m=7861910891&r=6331908902#6331908902

it discusses the effect of humidity and the consequences of intermittant use of air con

Derek

Its not just your equipment that needs to be considered with the problems of humidity. Vinyl records also pose difficulties with them getting clammy.

FWIW, I find keeping the A/C on is advantageous, for when the climate gets warm, my 250 is more likely to stop for a rest. In cooler months when we can dispense with the A/C, the sound quality improves due to the reduced background noise that A/C (in this country) produces!

David

Wow, 3 Davids !

Anyway, every Naim system must have a dedicated line ... so whatever contamination the A/C gives is moot ... But it really isn't that serious over here even without the dedicated line in terms of quietness. The dedicated line just gave more power and body ...

Joseph,

"Anyway, every Naim system must have a dedicated line ... so whatever contamination the A/C gives is moot"


I disagree. The separate spur improves the performance of the system, but doesn't really isolate it from stuff on the other lines in the house.



On a wider note, both humidity and temperature will affect the bulk properties of the cone materials of your speakers, such that distortion and/or frequency balance may be affected.

cheers, Martin