2. misc-audio
  3. 165786-160212

Have I got the wrong amp? or the wrong speakers?

Hi all, I'm new to the forum and a relative beginner at hifi, so please excuse the (potentially) dumb question.
In homage to my late father, and the basic, budget setup he had when I was a kid, I've recently acquired a vintage AKAI AA-1150 receiver (circa 1979 I think) and paired it with brand new Wharfedale EVO 4.2 large bookcase speakers.

Two problems - 
First, I think the speakers are waaay too sensitive for the amp - turn the volume up to 3 and the room is shaking. Taking the dial to 11 would definitely kill the Wharfedales.  My old speakers (Paradigm Atom) suffer too, but a little less.  Its definitely the amplifier!
Second, the sound is impossibly forward and bright.  Incredibly clear, with amazing detail (from both vinyl & DAC) but really hard on the ears.

Do I need to ditch the nostalgia and get a warmer, 21st Century integrated amplifier?  Or is there some setting I've missed somewhere?

All suggestions welcomed!
tavish
speakermaster
738 posts
 
A vintage amplifier was made when speakers had a different tonal balance than the new ones i would use the treble control to tame the highs to your liking or if it does not have one the high filter might work but i can say that modern speakers are very bright and detailed in general.
baldie
1 posts
 
To athrillofhope: Well said!
p05129
501 posts
 
Some old "jay" receivers from the 70's were very good like the Yamaha CR series (especially the cr2020), others not so good. Also, there are some good receivers in todays market: look up the Mcintosh MAC7200 receiver, it will blow away what MC is currently using. If you want to get a decent integrated amp for $600, look at the PS Audio Sprout 100. I use 1, and check out some of the reviews for it.
glupson
7,842 posts
 
If you have an opportunity, have a professional check the receiver out. After all, you have that receiver because of your father, not because it is the best thing ever. It is worth keeping and problems you are describing are way out of ordinary even for some mismatch and what not.
curlyhifi
157 posts
 
Your receiver will need to be serviced. You should not have that issue with those speakers. Your match is fine. Like others have said you will probably be better off with an integrated. There are techs that can fix your issue however it may not be worth the investment. 
Was definitely one of those Gems from yesterday. 
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