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Listening fatigue

This may be low-brow for Audiogon folks due to the nature of the gear, but here goes: I have a pair of Totem Mites driven by an NAD 326BEE, with an NAD 345BEE disc player and a Velodyne SPL-800 in my master bedroom (carpeted, basically about 15X20 with a small entry hall). The problem is fatigue – if the volume goes up, it gets to be too much very quickly. I've tried different speaker locations and padding on the first points of reflection, but it hasn't helped much. I'm using 12 gauge wire, but would an upgrade here help? Or is it an unfortunate component combo? Any suggestions would be appreciated ... thanks.
128x128jeddythree
vapor1
107 posts
 
I have no experience with the Mite, but judging by this measurement which I found from a Mite owner, it's easy to see what would be causing the fatigue - the top end is tipped up significantly, probably intentionally to give the sensation of more air and detail.

http://harmonicsreview.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/totem-mite-fr.png
jeddythree's avatar
jeddythree OP
4 posts
 
Thanks, everyone, for weighing in. I played around more with the position of the sub and I think I'm on the right track – a foot and a half seems to make a lot of difference in that room. Soffit traps, no, but crown molding, yes – she might go for that, Davehrab.
jhardy
63 posts
 
In my experience with Mani 2s I once owned, the Totems are only going to play so loud before they start to compress. That may be what you are hearing at loud volumes even though is seems you have sufficient power to drive them.
jafant
18,984 posts
 
OP-

you may need additional sound-proofing of your listening space.

Happy Listening!
tmsorosk
1,013 posts
 
I find to much energy at the frequency extremes can cause fatigue , to much bass , to much treble , is your system balanced and neutral ?
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