How can I tell if I am overdriving the amp or the speakers?

@erik_squires ,

I have been moving some 2’x4’ foam, absorbing panels around as well as some pillows and even a couple of blankets. It’s hard to explain, but the room probably doesn’t have 60% walls and it was worse. Not one wall is solid all the way from side to side. The front wall is the closest with only a doorway (no door)

JD

I just googled the Hegel & those Kef speakers and wow.  If you can go by MSRP, that should be some pretty good stuff.

@erik_squires 

I hope you understood what I was trying to say.  I probably should stop posting after bedtime.🙁

JD

So this morning after everyone left, I put on several different CD’s and cranked the volume.  I played some jazz and some rock and maybe it’s because it was morning (?) nothing distorted!  I pulled out the sound meter and I got well into the 90’s and the light flashed when I went over 100.

I’m going to try this a couple more times. Listen at night and listen again in the morning.

Maybe there’s nothing wrong with my equipment or my room. Wow, maybe it’s my ears? 

Mmmmmm

It's called "distortion," and you should turn it down until it doesn't hurt behind your ears--you know. That's how loud you can play it for now.

Next step is make an upgrade to lower the noise. Begin with cables.

Enjoy. It's fun!