hello BBIBH

thanks for the response. My friend has this CD, and it sounds fine on his setup (old technics amp with psb speakers). my copy of the cd sounds fine on other systems, and sounds fine on my headphones as well.

once i purchase M3's, will definitely be able to test other speakers on my system. in the meantime, i will try to get my dad's old speakers at some point to try them.

i also do not think this is the result of clipping because everything else sounds fine.

could it be a crossover related issue?
this CD is not like other NIN cd's, it is VERY piano heavy, and the clicks tend to happen mostly during intense or loud piano parts. could it be that the tweeters are trying to go too low?

i'm quite lost on this issue. any advice is appreciated!

thanks BBIBH