2. amps-preamps
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Please help - Impotence problem


Okay, forget my impotence problem, I have a more important issue with an impedance problem. Or do I? The latest incarnation of my system sounds truly fantastic and live but only at very high volume. I�ve read somewhere in the past that this may be a sign there�s an impedance mismatch somewhere in the system.

Can someone tell me how to find such a mismatch? I have two Counterpoint NP220 stereo amps bi-amped to a pair of Waveform Mach 13�s with an external crossover. My preamp is a Counterpoint SA-11. I�m assuming the Counterpoints work together so what could the problem be? Currently I�m just running digital (Sony SCD-777es) so I�m not concerned (yet) with my analogue rig.

(the two Counterpoint amps were SA-220's fully upgraded by Elliot with 'low sensitivity' instead of 'high sensitivity' but this is supposed to be the way to go if your preamp can handle it and mike elliot specifically recommends 'low sensitivity' if using with the SA-11 preamp.)

Overall instruments seem unbalanced with too much treble in the forefront, even when adjusting the crossover.

Could it be that the system is simply too bright and that's why i'm feeling the need to turn the volume control up so i can enjoy the midrange? Perhaps the problem is more with cables or a need for power conditioning? oh, god, i'm getting that feeling again. little help?!

Maybe someone out there has a good link for me to read up on this if the answer is too complex.

Thanks in advance.
kublakhan

Showing 3 responses by dekay

dekay's avatar
dekay
5,348 posts
 
Jeez, about time Dennis.

*****

Does it sound good?

It does sound good.

Are we convinced?

We are convinced.

*****

Also what's up with your TT, no phono preamp?
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,348 posts
 
Kubla:

Assuming that your new cables were installed less than 10 minutes ago, give them a hundred hours plus of playing time before going completely nuts.

The few cables that I have purchased "new" were congested/bright (quite a combo) and lacked bass fullness right out of the box.

Once the bass kicked in this was pretty much the way the system balanced out in the long run.

A friend of ours uses a Couterpoint amp (same era as yours, but stock) with an older Mod 3A and little 1.5 Thiels and his systems sounds quite good @ low/moderate listening levels.

If you are still not satisfied following this then I will be happy pull one of the BMI Whales for you to try on the Sony. This cord has plenty of bass/mid-bass when used with source gear (it makes low level listening quite pleasent).
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,348 posts
 
Hi Dennis:

You mentioned RCA 5692's (which are said to be mellow/laid back. I found a pair of Tung-Sol 6SN7GT's (rectangular plates) that might bring things up a bit (use them in combination with the RCA's). I will take them to Armetron first and have them tested to make certain that they are OK.

I noticed that Ed Sawyer has been cleaning out his 6SN7 collection (you might ask him for some suggestions as I assume that he has tried most types).

Oh, and I overheard your two friend's (@ Starbucks), detailing/planning how they were going to "F" with your mind. Now their conversation makes perfect sense.
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