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HELP-Maggie IIIa's are crackling at high frequency

I have newly refurbished IIIa's. The refurbishing was done by a trusted third party tech. I noticed the high frequency once before when using my Nuera 3300pp integrated but only on ONE record so I chocked it up as a flaw in the record. But just this weekend I went up to a AR V70 power amp and an AR SP-6b pre and its more prevalent than ever. I am not a "loud" listener and I here this "crackling" on the high end of classical female vocalists the most. I have read that people push the maggies as far as to blow the fuses before they get any distortion. This amp combo sounds like it would blow me away but I can't hear past the distortion! Any advice would be awesome and much appreciated, Thank you.
sonorous1

Showing 3 responses by bifwynne

bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Admittedly I don't own or know anything about Maggies, so I am not adding to the advice already given. However, your OP doesn't say very much about the ARC gear other than the model numbers. I have a few thoughts about the ARC gear.

First, the V70 was first released in 1992 and actual power at clipping was 62 watts. Does the amp have enough power to drive the MG-IIIAs? That is, could you be clipping the amp? Is there an amp/speaker compatibility problem (e.g., wierd load)? Has the V70 been recently serviced? When were the tubes last replaced?

Second, the SP-6b was released in 1980, so the pre is getting up there in age. Same questions as with the V70 re: when last serviced and when were tubes last replaced?
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Sonorous1: If you think the Maggies are ok, then I still suspect the amp may be clipping. I am dubious that 62 watts at clipping is enough power for the Maggies. I suggest that you borrow a high power SS amp from a friend or a friendly dealer and try it out. Crank up the volume and see if Maggies still crackle. If not, then you solved the puzzle.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Sonorous, have you isolated the problem to possible clipping? If not, what have you come up with?

Good luck.
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