How normal is background noise on seperates?

[norm]

Im listening on a pair of Mordaunt Short Avant 906's and Kenwood KAF-3030R amp, with sony discman (next on upgrade list I promise!).

Thing is when nothing is playing and the amp is switched up there's an audible (when ear placed closed to the tweeter) noise/hiss. Otherwise when music is playing I'm pleased with the sound, very clear, good bass extension.

Is this sort of background noise inherent to all systems? Anyway to reduce it?

Plan to bi-wire soon.

 

[eviljohn2]

It is normal. There is an inherent noise in preamplifier stages which is what you're hearing.

If you didn't have to put your ear up against the speaker then I'd probably worry but otherwise you'll find that everyone has the same problem.