AC and HVAC Noise!

[esteban]

External noise sources are one of my biggest, most frustrating pet peeves. Specifically, AC and HVAC noises.

I live in a condo, and can clearly hear the AC compressor noise from my neighbor upstairs, the one downstairs AND the one on the other side of the building. In the Summer, these units can "couple" with each other (and mine) and the resulting noise (which travels through the walls and ceiling and generates a vibration) is almost unbearable, to the point that I become depressed and do not even turn my system on. All these folks have tile floors, so that does not help. I suffer from hyperacusis, so the above is even more painful for me. Short of re-doing the walls and roof (which would cost an arm and a leg), I am at a loss as to how to best treat the problem.

I am researching contractors and products that are supposed to insulate noise, as well as the best possible materials (for example, do I go with wooden floors, laminate, carpet? etc.), but nobody can seem to be able to provide me with a straight answer.

I would love to hear what others do to control this noise/vibration and if any of you has been able to successfully eliminate it from your listening room. Any advise on specific noise absorption and deadening materials for the walls/ceiling, room treatments, etc, would be much appreciated.