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B&W speakers sounding very harsh?

Hey guys, brand new here.

So I recently got a new sound system for my game room. Keep in mind as I'm explaining everything that I'm brand new to the world of sound systems and how they work.

Here's what I'm using: I have a Marantz SR7015, a pair of B&W 702 S2's that are being powered from a Rotel amp (can't remember the model) , 700 series center channel, 600 series rears (the anniversary edition) and the 1000w sub. I also have 4 overhead speakers that are no B&W's.

The system sounds amazing! .....except for one thing. The highs sound very harsh on certain songs. It's almost like I hear a crackling if that makes sense but even putting my ears up to the speakers I can't pinpoint it. A good example is T.N.T. by AC/DC, when I listen to this song it's almost like I can hear a buzzing or crackling coming from somewhere (watch me explooooooooooode!) and the highs of the song sound very grating. Again, I'm having difficulty pinpointing what it could be and I listen to some songs and they sound just fine.

Keep a few things in mind. A. The sound system is relatively new and the sound system has probably 60 total hours of play time. I've read that these systems do require break in time. I also started from scratch learning how to configure everything (it took me 2 days before I figured out how to get sound of the speakers turned on) so it's possible I may have the tweeters turned up too high.

Based on the limited info I was able to give, does anyone have any advice? TY!
vgundam21
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
The equipment is run in at the factory as most defects show up immediately. By the time it gets to the customer it is good to go with the exception of some speakers like ESLs and planars that will loosen up a little and the diaphragms equilibrate. Perhaps a few cartridges.

Back to your problem. Your description is a bit vague but it sounds like we are dealing with either sibilance or distortion. Sibilance is easy to stop. If your Marantz has EQ capability just drop 3000 to 4000 Hz a couple of dB and it will magically disappear. If it does you have your answer if it does not we have a distortion issue. If the impedance of the speakers drops too low you might be overloading the amps power supply in which case the only solutions are, don't play so loud or get a new amp that can handle it. Does this problem go away when you lower the volume?

ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 
I think OTHERS have demonstrated several time by comment alone, they, cannot hear certain things and or usually HAVEN'T been around enough equipment to tell the difference.

BTW there are ZERO 24 hour cable reports.. weeks per pair minimum just to settle and somewhat break in.. Months is a more accurate.
I think OTHERS have demonstrated several times by comment alone, they, can hear certain things THAT CAN BE EXPLAINED BY NORMAL PHYSICAL CONDITIONS and HAVE been around AND DESIGNED enough equipment to tell the difference.

Here's a 30 minute cable report from about 2003  ieLogical Audiophilia Redux - after I'd officially retired from professional audio.

IF the Break In Brigade is correct, their systems always suck as everything is always changing. I feel sorry for them not enjoying their systems as they pine in anticipation.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
If it doesn't sound reasonably good when you first get it, no amount of break-in or burn-in will transform a sow's ear into a silk purse.

On the other hand, if it already sounds pretty good from the get-go, things will likely improve further.
linnlp12
79 posts
 
I am not in the camp that BW speakers are bright.  They reveal the source material, that's what they were designed for. I collect the Matrix series and have the 801 S3 with Northcreeks, 803 S2 which I just picked up, 804 and 805's.  I read many posts said these speakers are bright.  I find them great and depends on the source material and how well one has matched components in their system. A neutral system will show poorly recorded material as bright, the next piece of music can be smooth and another terrible.  CD or vinyl same (I don't stream).  I went into a store and listened to 805 D3 that was hooked up to a high end solid state amp.  It was brutal.  Had to leave the room.  The same store had an 804 D3 hooked up in another room and it sounded fantastic. It's all about synergy and what one puts together.  No different than equipment, one SACD player on one preamp sounds excellent, unlistenable on another one.  So I have matched components to my taste and likes (important).  This is my experience your experience may be different. The beauty of these older BW they can be had for a fraction of new speaker price.  I would love to pick up some of the newer ones but outside of my current budget.  I don't buy only because of budget, not sound quality.  I think BW makes great speakers, old and new.
erik_squires
16,119 posts
 
I am not in the camp that BW speakers are bright.


We can't really make blanket statements about the B&W house sound from the Matrix series to today.

Truth is their curves have changed somewhat.

Best

E
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