Likely culprit for harshness at higher volumes?


Hi,

I'm a newbie to higher end audio. I have a very modest system:
1) Pre-amp: Anthem AVM2
2) Amp: Adcom GFA-5400
3) Source: Sony CDP-X111ES CD player
4) Speakers: KEF C75
5) Toslink between source and pre-amp; cheap RCA cables from pre-amp to amp; 16 or 18 gauge speaker wire (Radio Shack?)

Room setup (10-ish feet x 20-ish feet rectangle):
1) 2 foot deep cabinets along one wall (20-ish foot)
2) Components stacked on top of small end table against rear wall (10 foot); centered between cabinets and opposite wall.
3) Speakers slightly in front of end table and about 2 feet from side walls and 4 feet from rear wall

Sounds good at about -45 to -25db; but higher frequencies get harsh at higher than -25db.

Appreciate your thoughts.
saru

Showing 2 responses by sebrof

Saru - I'm not familiar with your gear, but I am familiar with "humming and then patting your chest -- what should be a smooth sound is disrupted by unnatural vibrations"
In my case it was the simple fact that I was overdriving the room. I was putting too much sound (volume) in there, and the bass interferred with the midrange, mainly vocals.
I fixed it by changing speakers and putting acoustic treatments in the room. That distortion is a distant memory.
Since you have a $0 budget, I suggest that you put some bulk in the room to help diagnose the problem: Blankets, pillows, boxes of stuff, even an extra piece of furniture (cloth). If this helps or eliminates then you know what the problem is. Then you might look for more permanent solutions that look good.
The fact that you rearranged the room and added blankets and got improvement leads me to believe this is your problem.
But do remember that there are limits with any system. You won't be able to play as loud as you want.
Saru - One other thought that is quick and easy.
If your room has a door, try playing loud to where the distortion occurs and then open the door. If you are overdriving the room then opening the door may relieve some pressure. If the distortion is decreased then this may give an idea if this is your problem.
My room is 12' x 13' and opening the door has this effect.