Harsh sound at reference level
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 122
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 122 |
Just set up my brother's home theater. We watched LOTR Two Towers last night and it sounds great, except at a few points in the movie, the audio got harsh. It was usually during very loud action sequences. It was actually kinda painful to listen to. Every other time it sounded fantastic. Is this my receiver clipping? We were listening at -6db Axiom VP180 2 Axiom M60v3 4 Axiom QS8 1 SVS PB13 Ultra NAD 765 receiver - rated at only 80W per channel. But I figured they probably underrate it a bit. It's a pretty big theater. More pictures http://s663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/
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Re: Harsh sound at reference level
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,466
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,466 |
Sounds like it could very well be clipping.
Pioneer PDP-5020FD, Marantz SR6011 Axiom M5HP, VP160HP, QS8 Sony PS4, surround backs -Chris
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Re: Harsh sound at reference level
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,116
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Sep 2008
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Yes. "Harshness" from the speakers like you are describing during those dynamic peaks is a sign your receiver is not capable of powering your speakers in your room. This in undoubtedly the cause. You would definitely benefit from an external amp. Since you run a VP180 and it will dip below 4 ohms at some frequencies I would highly recommend getting an external amp for the front 3 speakers (M60 and VP180). Does your receiver have pre-outs?
I’m armed and I’m drinking. You don’t want to listen to advice from me, amigo.
-Max Payne
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Re: Harsh sound at reference level
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 122
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OP
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It came on pretty suddenly. It sounded great...then, a big clash of swords and the thing turned into a mess. It was mostly high pitched harshness. At the time we were worried about it being the speakers breaking up at high volumes, but then I looked up the specs on his receiver and saw it was only 80W per channel and he is using all 7 channels.
We originally got the components thinking that he would be using a VP150, but when Axiom came out with the VP180 we had to have it. So, we ordered one and Axiom was nice enough to take back the VP150.
On a side note, we also ordered a EP800 to replace the SVS sub we had just got. The SVS turned out to be a little too tall and the EP800 on its side was quite compact (relatively at least). The EP800 arrived and it was busted. The drivers seemed to be fighting each other and there was a massive hum from it. It put out very little bass. We went back to the SVS and made it work.
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Re: Harsh sound at reference level
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 122
veteran
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OP
veteran
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 122 |
Would this work? Yes, he has preouts. It is one of those receivers with the replaceable blades, so he might even be able to get balanced outputs. http://www.emotiva.com/xpa3.shtm
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Re: Harsh sound at reference level
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,116
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,116 |
It came on pretty suddenly. It sounded great...then, a big clash of swords and the thing turned into a mess. It was mostly high pitched harshness. At the time we were worried about it being the speakers breaking up at high volumes, but then I looked up the specs on his receiver and saw it was only 80W per channel and he is using all 7 channels.
We originally got the components thinking that he would be using a VP150, but when Axiom came out with the VP180 we had to have it. So, we ordered one and Axiom was nice enough to take back the VP150.
On a side note, we also ordered a EP800 to replace the SVS sub we had just got. The SVS turned out to be a little too tall and the EP800 on its side was quite compact (relatively at least). The EP800 arrived and it was busted. The drivers seemed to be fighting each other and there was a massive hum from it. It put out very little bass. We went back to the SVS and made it work. I bet that poor receiver was running really hot (temperature wise) as well. Surprised your receiver has never shut down. I would be careful running that receiver at reference levels in that large room like that again and monitor the temps. That distortion sounds nasty.
I’m armed and I’m drinking. You don’t want to listen to advice from me, amigo.
-Max Payne
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Re: Harsh sound at reference level
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928
axiomite
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axiomite
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That's a beautiful theatre!
It looks like you've got plenty of room to fill there, judging by the height of the ceiling, I'm sure you'd benefit from an external amp, esp at the levels your pushing.
Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
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Re: Harsh sound at reference level
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,466
connoisseur
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connoisseur
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Looks like you have 7.2 pre-outs, so you're in luck.
Pioneer PDP-5020FD, Marantz SR6011 Axiom M5HP, VP160HP, QS8 Sony PS4, surround backs -Chris
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Re: Harsh sound at reference level
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,116
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,116 |
Would this work? Yes, he has preouts. It is one of those receivers with the replaceable blades, so he might even be able to get balanced outputs. http://www.emotiva.com/xpa3.shtm Yes, that would do the trick.
I’m armed and I’m drinking. You don’t want to listen to advice from me, amigo.
-Max Payne
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Re: Harsh sound at reference level
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,877
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Wow, that is one sharp looking theater!
You didn't try having axiom correct the problem with the ep800 and you just sent it back without a replacement?
-David
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