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
jmun76
10 posts
 
I agree with most, ditch the receiver get an integrated. Raven Audio, Rogue, Vincent, etc but like MC said anything you go with with will be a huge improvement over that old receiver.

I went with a budget setup myself for my man cave/garage and got the floor standing Wharfdale EVO 4.3 paired with an Arcam SA20.  Cables from Audio Envy.  Its been a great combo and all budget friendly.

surfmuz
399 posts
 
Vintage staff is not easy to rely on. I picked up 80s Marantz receiver ones hoping to setup secondary system at my tool room and with a couple of days the rec killed my Yamaha speakers however all of specs was matching. The speakers was relatively cheap and I easily fix them myself (drivers replaced) but since then no vintage staff for me anymore. 
crustycoot
641 posts
 
I remember those Akai receivers without fondness.  Find a Pioneer SX750 or Sansui 771, Marantz 2238,  Sony STR6050, or a similar model from one of those brands.  The volume control taper is nothing to worry about, but if you want to use the loudness button, look for a Yamaha CR-840.  OR...just buy a Rega Io.
mesch
3,476 posts
 
What is the source? Maybe too much gain for the receiver.
hshifi
572 posts
 
Hello, 
I like the idea of the heavy copper speaker cables. 12awg should be enough. Before you do that check the output/ bias on the speaker connections.
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