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Harsh sound at reference level
#326040 10/19/10 06:12 PM
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autoboy Offline OP
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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/

Re: Harsh sound at reference level
autoboy #326041 10/19/10 06:14 PM
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Sounds like it could very well be clipping.


Pioneer PDP-5020FD, Marantz SR6011
Axiom M5HP, VP160HP, QS8
Sony PS4, surround backs
-Chris
Re: Harsh sound at reference level
autoboy #326042 10/19/10 06:21 PM
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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
Re: Harsh sound at reference level
ClubNeon #326043 10/19/10 06:24 PM
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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.

Re: Harsh sound at reference level
autoboy #326044 10/19/10 06:27 PM
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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

Re: Harsh sound at reference level
autoboy #326045 10/19/10 06:28 PM
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Originally Posted By: autoboy
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
Re: Harsh sound at reference level
BlueJays1 #326046 10/19/10 06:28 PM
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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.
Re: Harsh sound at reference level
autoboy #326047 10/19/10 06:29 PM
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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
Re: Harsh sound at reference level
autoboy #326048 10/19/10 06:33 PM
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Originally Posted By: autoboy
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
Re: Harsh sound at reference level
ClubNeon #326049 10/19/10 06:36 PM
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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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