Every time I start to get louder I hear some distortion (at least I think definitely some fuzziness for the lack of a better word) from my speakers. I’ve got a Marantz 2230 and KLH 6s. I had the same problem with a previous receiver making me think it’s the speakers. Are they being over powered or is it a repair type situation? I’m pretty new to all this so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Distortion at high volumes
- Thread starter bjoseff44
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petehall347
the brandy coffee man
welcome to AK
Nyjblbob
Hooked on Horn's and Tubes. Go big or go home
I’m pretty sure it’s the Receiver running out of power, clipping. It doesn’t help that It’s over 40 years old, and probably not even putting out 30 Watts
Klh were never known as efficient speakers
This is also what blows Tweeters
I’m my system ,Big Jbl’s that can take 400 Watts.I listen with only 8 Watts Tubes you can hear right away by the mids and highs sounding off ,or distorted .
Tube amps have a softer no damage clipping.
Solid State amps it’s damaging to lesser or older low power speakers, especially the Tweeters
the skipper
Professional Curmudgeon
Even though 30 watts doesn't seem like a lot on paper, it should be able to play those speakers to irritatingly loud levels without problems, particularly considering the speakers and that receiver are about the same vintage,
Gently remove the covers from the speakers and check the woofers to make sure they are in god shape. Rips or any other damage to the "surrounds" could cause this.
Gently remove the covers from the speakers and check the woofers to make sure they are in god shape. Rips or any other damage to the "surrounds" could cause this.
Also, make sure the spider is attached to the frame. Take some pictures of the woofers and post them, it may help.
Is the distortion new? That might be indicative of a mechanical problem.
If not, keep in mind that a small speaker like yours is going to compress and distort at high volumes regardless of the power available. So it might be a question of which runs out of gas first, the speaker or the amplifier.
If not, keep in mind that a small speaker like yours is going to compress and distort at high volumes regardless of the power available. So it might be a question of which runs out of gas first, the speaker or the amplifier.
the skipper
Professional Curmudgeon
If these are vintage KLH 6's, I wouldn't consider them small speakers.
Turntable - they’re about 4-5 feet away from each other, about 2 ft each from the TT
the skipper
Professional Curmudgeon
Acoustic feedback is a distinct possibility. Move the TT farther away from the speakers.
https://geoffthegreygeek.com/understanding-acoustic-feedback/
Keep in mind that the phono cartridge is just like a microphone in that they both can convert acoustic energy into electrical energy.
Of course, if this problem exists with other sources as well, then this is not the cause.
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So would getting a high watt receiver put the crossover components back in value?
orsen
Jukebox Hero
Nyjblbob
Hooked on Horn's and Tubes. Go big or go home
No a higher Wattage amp will Not fix your out of spec speaker Caps! They have to be Actually Replaced by new ones!
Is sounds like there’s something else going on
Either with the speakers or the Amp:Receivers.
Switch to different speakers then to another amp see where the problem is
Bobhorn
Djcoolray
Addicted Member
Why would, how could that ever happen ???
A high watt receiver that needs rebuilding and is out of value, when it comes to out of value internal components will make an incredible amount of distortion when using sensitive speakers at any volume. The issue is distortion at high volume. Which probably is due to out of value crossover components. Many people use old un rebuilt equipment as if it’s just as good as it was out of the box new. They have to use low sensitivity speakers just to get a decent amount of sound. If the crossovers are out of value.....
That’s why equipment needs rebuilding before it burns up...
Just throwing together a system of old equipment that needs rebuilding because it’s cheaper than new and not rebuilding is not smart due to the cost of replacement, rebuilding is cheaper.
I have no idea. I was just taking your statement to its logical conclusion - or illogical in this case.
Thanks for clarifying that.
We've got no real idea what the OP means when he says "get louder". Louder than what? Louder than whisper levels? Louder than the neighbours can stand?
I think at least a visual inspection of the drivers is in order to check for damage to the cones/surrounds.