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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
saru OP
30 posts
 

Thanks -- yes, I'm finding that small changes in speaker placement can dramatically change the experience. I'm overwhelmed by the number of degrees of freedom here: x,y,z,separation, toe-in, etc.

Seems like there should be a computer model that incorporates room dynamics via camera and microphone. Too complicate for us mere mortals. :)
daverz
477 posts
 
There are some computer programs like that, but I'm not sure how sophisticated they are. I think real rooms -- sheetrock vs. plaster vs. concrete, suspended floors, alcoves, heating ducts, furniture, doors, hallways, etc -- would pretty much confound the results.
ebm
5,165 posts
 
Its time to upgrade.
poprhetor
57 posts
 
re: Kind of Blue -- Yeah, it's the recording. I have it too. Same issue. My buddy has it in SACD. Next time he comes by, I'll remind him to bring it with him again so we can re-compare.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
14,147 posts
 
There are a slew of reasons why the sound gets harsh at higher volumes. Unfortunately, many of the reasons are off of many audiophiles' radar screens. Consequently, addressing the usual suspects such as room anomalies and "mismatched components," while somewhat ameliorating the situation, do not eliminate the harshness.
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