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Can room acoustics amplify the sound of speakers?

In attempting to solve some room acoustics problems, I have encountered a dilemma: Can room acoustics actually amplify the sound from speakers?? This is my scenario, I play music fairly loud, but am no headbanger (for example Yes' version of "America" or "Going for the One", Allman Brothers "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed") I understand what it means to pressurize a listening room and how recording venues have different degrees of loudness which should be adjusted or matched by the volume control. The source of this question originates when I play music loud, the dynamic passages become less clear and more congested or noisy, but a transition to a softer passage, the clarity and harmonics of the music improves. Am I hearing more total harmonic distortion at loud volume levels, and less so on the softer passages??, OR, is my amp clipping, or is the music's demands beyond the capabilities of my integrated amp. The amp is a Creek SE5350 Classic (80RMS) driving Acoustic Zen Adagios. The room is only 12X14. Will appreciate any advice or explanation. Jim
sunnyjim

Showing 2 responses by nonoise

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,540 posts
 
Davehrab:

I think you hit the proverbial nail on the head. Burson audio is a firm believer in the drawbacks and limits of opamps and they keep them out of their product for some of the very reasons you state. Since acquiring their integrated, I've noticed and appreciated the dynamic scales it reproduces with aplomb. Nothing congeals or shrinks in scale: it just goes louder and sometimes startles me.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,540 posts
 
Sunnyjim:

Your thought of audio chains (at least upscale ones) providing room treatment advice with the purchase of equipment and not offering it is a good one. Just one look at the 'Geek Squad' for computers and HT installations merits a good look at the concept. Most stores don't have the resources of a Best Buy but they could at least aid in setting it up and advising. When I got my speakers, the guy who owned the place where they were auditioned came over to deliver them and later on suggested at least one sound panel for the side of my room that was filled with windows. And this guy operates out of his house and doesn't even make or own the speakers. He's just a great guy to do business with.

On the matter of the Rega being the source of your woes, if it is determined to be the opamp in the unit, it can be swapped out for a better made one or even a Burson discreet opamp. Burson has testimonials and tutorials over at their website. Hope this helps.
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