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

@franklinb66,

“Know Thy Room and Thy Self“

I like that and I have been working on it!

 Thanks.

JD

There are quite a few factors in each system, starting with maybe power to the home, room resonance problems, equipment not meant to play well with certain other equipment, and yes even yourself. 

 In my system/room setup, I can hear the system distort just before the room is saturated. This happens at way above my normal listening levels. Sometimes my ears say 'no way' before the music does.

 Funny thing though, there are even times when distortion is present and I don't mind, but that is an exception for sure. 

 To make a guess in your system, I'm thinking speakers and room placement. Maybe even some first reflection treatment. But yah, speakers. 

“I am a Audience AR6 power conditioner“

Should read, I have an  Audience, AR6, power conditioner.

JD

I’m still not sure it’s not my ears.

JD

I wish everything was recorded at the same level!

I am really sad to say it is my ears! Some of the music I listen to in the morning sounds good and sounds sharper in the evening. Same everything, Equipment, tunes and volume. If I keep it simple, like Bill Evans Trio or Art Pepper it is as bad, but the more instruments the worse it gets.