Why does my system now have shrill top end.


The equipment in my system (listed below) has not changed but I now find on both CD and Vinyl a high end shrillness to the sound (treble is very harsh) that has become very annoying, especially at high volume levels. I have no idea why this happened all of a sudden.

Endevour E-3
Pass 30.8
Pass XP 20
Esoteric K01x
Linn LP12 (Ortofon Black cartridge)
Linn Linto Phono Preamp
PS Audio P5 (Amp plugged in directly to wall)
JL Audio F112 v2 sub
OCOS Speaker cable (15 feet)
Pass XLR interconnect (Preamp to Amp)
Harmonic Technology Cable Magic Link (not current version). RCA termination

Any ideas?
proacman
Jea48 12-2-2017
What are the chances the OP could connect the Linn Linto Phono Preamp directly to the inputs of the Pass amp without it playing too loud for a test. That would take the Pass XP 20 out of the equation.
Hi Jim,

In this case that's probably not a good idea, assuming that the "Ortofon Black" cartridge referred to in the OP is the 2M Black.  That cartridge has a rated output under the standard test conditions of 5 mv.  The low gain (54 db) setting of the phono stage would boost 5 mv to 2.5 volts, which is more than three times greater than the input voltage that would drive the XA30.8 to full power.

Also, I see that the remote control provided with his Esoteric K01X SACD player provides volume control buttons, but although I could be wrong I suspect it is provided for purposes of adjusting the volume on their integrated amplifiers or other components, not on this player.

Best regards,
-- Al
 
All I can say is what worked for me...
dont want my advice, don’t take it.

liquidsky
3 posts                                                                               12-02-2017 9:45am

That may be true in your case. More than likely with poorly designed audio equipment. Pass Labs on the other hand is well designed audio equipment.

At least here in the USA GFCI protection in residential dwelling units is here to stay. At present, Kitchen above counter top outlets, Laundry room outlets, bathroom outlets, garage outlets, outside receptacle outlets, receptacle outlets in unfinished areas, is required per NEC code. (Depending if the AHJ, Authority Having Jurisdiction, adopted that provision of the NEC. 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014)

AFCI protection is now required on all 120V 15 and 20 amp lighting and receptacle outlet circuits in new homes built pretty much after 2015. (Depending if the AHJ, Authority Having Jurisdiction, adopted that provision of the NEC. 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014).

 Slowly NEC is expanding where GFCI protection is required. With improvements in dependability/reliability made for combination AFCI/GFCI circuit breakers it is only a matter of time before NEC will require all 120V 15 and 20 amp lighting and receptacle outlet circuits be AFCI/GFCI protected.