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After leaving my system on for 3 days...

...I listened to a CD I'm pretty familiar with, and found that the sound is harsher than it used to be!

I know that there is the arguement that leaving solid-state devices on usually yields better or at least no performance difference, but is it possible that the performance actually suffers?

Before my little experiment of leaving it on for 3 days, I used to turn it off in the night, and leave it on all day during the day. Also, I just purchased a tuner, which I have stacked on top of my CD player, which is on Vibrapods. Perhaps that is the cause. (They say you shouldn't stack)

Or is my system just revealing the real sound from the CDs?

I admit, I will have to go home after work and do some more experimentation before I come to a solid conclusion whether the sound has gotten worse or not. (Perhaps unstacking my tuner from on top of my CDP)

I own the following system:
- NAD C370 Integrated Amp
- NAD C541 CD Player
- NAD C420 Tuner
- IXOS & Monster interconnects
- Monster speaker cable
- B&W DM601S2 speaker pair

Any ideas?
lennychen
edle
235 posts
 
There are a lot of variables that can affect the sound quality of your system. Stacking of equipments on top of other component do affect sound quality(mechanical or electrical interference). The most noticable is that the quality of the electricity. My sound system performance best when after 2am and before 7am week day. Saturday and Sunday not so good since more people turn-on their computers, home theatres and playing video games. These will create a lot of electrical interference.
The problem that you are having is probably due to the above mentioned problem. Try to compare the sound quality of your SS amp after midnight or even 2am in the morning. You might get a more accurate conclusion.
lennychen OP
28 posts
 
I moved the tuner off the CD player and it seems to have reduced the harshness. Now I'm experimenting with speaker and room placement, but it's very difficult in my small dorm room. It'll all be better once I graduate and move into my apartment. :)

I'll report more of my experimentation as it comes in. Thanks for your help.
jb7272
19 posts
 
I think I see your problem !!!! Try using better interconnects !!!!!! Monster Cable is CRAP ! Try some Kimber KCAG for your cd player and then maybe some Kimber 8TC for speaker cable!!!!
sean
6,231 posts
 
Short of buying a PS Powerplant, i don't think that you'll ever be able to get optimum results out of any system in a dorm room. Between all of the computers and other gadgets tied into the electrical system of the building, you'd almost have to make sure that everyone was sleeping and all of the electronic gadgets turned off in every room to be able to hear what your system is capable of. As mentioned, late night listening is where it is at ( if at all possible ) without going to some type of dedicated lines / isolated ground / power regeneration set-up. Sean
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