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Need help in trying to trace cause of distortion

I’m trying to track down the cause of distortion which occurs in the range of about two octaves above middle C (around 1000 hz-1500 hz).  I hear it it the flute most  distinctly but it must also be there in other instruments in that range.  I’d like to determine which component is the culprit.
The equipment is fairly new except for a vintage Conrad-Johnson PV-11 preamp recently examined and Teflon recapped by the manufacturer.  I suspect it is in the GoldenEar Triton 1 speakers.
The amplifier is a Benchmark AHB2. I don’t think the other components would cause this phenomenon, so I won’t list them unless requested.  It occurs no matter what source is playing.
Otherwise the system sounds fine. Does anyone have any suspicion as to what component is causing this so I can take it for repair?
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4krowme's avatar
4krowme
542 posts
 
My experience with this sort of distortion was many years ago using a set of Synthesis 310 speakers (Conrad Johnson). In my case, it was just one driver. In short I replaced the driver, but didn't like the fact that it wasn't anymore than a driver off the shelf being a chance that in other ways wasn't as good as the original.
 Your case does sound to me to be something electronic. It is the hardest type to find when as you say it is intermittent. I would be suspicious of the pre amp that was recapped. Yes, even the manufacturer can make mistakes.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
This is a room acoustics issue, not a component problem. 
simao's avatar
simao
1,830 posts
 
^^^^^  So helpful. Care to enlighten?
sgordon1
439 posts
 
Suggestion: no music for three whole days.
Clear your head, clear your ears.

If you agree that "what you pay attention to, expands"
the time off can allow the problem to go away, or at
least, for you to listen anew without paying special
attention to "looking for" the distortion.

I doubt you will do this, but, who knows, it might work?
simao's avatar
simao
1,830 posts
 
@4krowme --Agreed. There're a bunch of variables here. I would suggest pragmatism:
  • try something as simple as the cables and IC's. Swap them out and see if that makes a difference.
  • switch the tubes - both for different tubes and for placement
  • take @tomic601 suggestion and try just one speaker
  • then try that one speaker in a different part of the room, in case @millercarbon has a point
  • do you have another set of speakers you can hook up to the CJ?
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