I have been fighting with M60s and Denon 3805 sounding too harsh for a while. With rock and metal music the combo often sounded harsh (think Slayer solos).

I have found that adjusting the pre-amp channel levels to set the mains at +0dB (was previously +6dB) has helped tremendously, even when playing at the same calibrated volume level(using a dB meter) in Direct mode. The preamp may have been inducting some minor distortion I guess?

Also if you are using Audissey or any other EQ you should ensure that you do not have any significant bumps in your curve. I would re-run your test will all EQs disabled.

Last edited by al1en; 02/15/10 02:28 AM.
M60s, VP150, QS8s(3), SVS PB12-isd, Denon 3805, Emotiva UPA-7