The invention relates to a milking plant wherein the vibrations and sound emissions thereof are significantly reduced. In said inventive milking plant, a vacuum control valve (500) is directly connected to a vacuum compensation tank (200). The vacuum control valve (500) leads into the vacuum compensation tank (200) via a diffusor (501). The vacuum control valve (500) is enclosed in a cylindrical container (503). Preferably, the vacuum pump (110) and the vacuum compensation tank (200) are connected to each other via a main line (150) which is embodied in the form of two bent, flexible hoses. Preferably, the main line (150) leads tangentially into the vacuum compensation tank (200). The invention also relates to a method for reducing sound emissions in one such milking plant. According to said method, the flow speed of the air in the air-guiding parts (150, 200, 300, 302, 403, 420) of the milking plant is reduced. A buffer tank (300) can be used in the air line (30), enabling a stable operating vacuum to be obtained in addition to a reduction in structure-borne noise.