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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
dynacohum
676 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
3,529 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.
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,014 posts
 
I am amazed by the knowledge of this group.  I would imagine there are a few dealers who are part of this discussion.  Millercarbon you mention ditch the receiver because it is a receiver.  Why are receivers inferior to a 2 channel amplifier.  My dealer sold me my ARCAM AVR850 receiver because I wanted to use it for both TV and 2 channel listening.  Is my receiver good or bad and why?  At the time I would have liked to have gotten a 2 channel amplifier, but was not sure I could play it through my TV.  Right now I have left and right towers, a large center channel and 2 S2 SHO Rel subwoofers I have not yet added the two left and right rear surround speakers.  I looked at the Parasound Integrated.  Wish I had more clarity in the highs.
jwillox
191 posts
 
With 88dB efficiency, and an older Akai, I’m guessing you are clipping, or at least driving high distortion. Maybe a new Integrated Amp?

Take a look at Parasound’s options.

A good, smooth amp with those speakers would be nice. 
Also, take a look at a powered subwoofer like Rel T Series. Their T7i is $100 off for a while. 
A little dialing in (excellent docs and videos on their site, and lifetime support. 
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