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Boom boom boom boom

I have a sound distortion problem. I don't know exactly how to describe it. And before I go into it I want to say I appreciate the help from everyone and I hope I don't take anyone on wild goose chase.
It sounds like a room resonance problem but I am not sure. I was wondering also if I could get a pragmatic way to go about checking out what I need to.
I am listening to Rebecca Z chesky records. Free from the last RMAF. And her piano is coming thru harmonically rich and vibrant. I hear a real piano from the key and hammer strokes bottoming out to the vibrating sound board and its trailing harmonics off into infinity , its beautiful and then it distorts, looses its fine detail, my speakers sound like they are emanating over worked cheap resonant box sounds. It almost sounds like it is a microphone feedback problem in the mid range area.
It did this also with my other set of electronics and speakers and with some combinations it wasn't as bad but was noticeable.
It is a resonance sound that seems to bother my ears besides being distorted.
I have my equipment in my basement and I have not really noticed this issue before but as I change equipment I seem to be listening to my music louder. I have no idea how much louder but maybe 30%. I have never listened to my music really loud. But it seems that if I turn the music down I the intensity goes down more than just what the volume goes down.
I have noticed overhead down the middle of my basement running its length is a rectangular furnace air duct and was wondering if that could cause a large part of the problem. My basement is finished and so the ductwork is not exposed so I can't easily fix that. But if that is part of the problem I can fix it.
In my listening area my ceiling height is 7.5' width 24'x length 20' I have a set of stairs in the middle of that area and I listen on the 12' x 22' section of that area. The 24'x22' area is open in two places on one end, a 10'x7' opening and a 4'x7' opening.
Maybe I am becoming more aware of my systems limitations? I am not sure.
So thank you very much before hand for those sharing your experienced knowledge on this matter.
marqmike
vegasears
1,173 posts
 
Is the noted sound with all front end devices? Is it more pronounced with digital or vinyl? The reason I am asking is, I use to have a Technics SL-1700 w/Denon DL-160 cartridge and in that configuration with my related gear, I had a lot of rumble. I searched rumble and found out it was low frequency noise originating from the TT. What happened to me more than likely is not your issue but it is a shot in the dark.

Good luck
xti16
1,525 posts
 
Does it with both channels or just 1? If 1 channel have you tried reversing Ic and/or speaker cables at just the amp end? Had a friend who had distortion at high listening levels but only with 2 songs on one of many hundreds of CD's. Turns out both his woofer had voice coil issues.
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
are you listening to a record or CD? if to the record how far your tt apart from speakers?
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"I have my equipment in my basement and I have not really noticed this issue before but as I change equipment I seem to be listening to my music louder. I have no idea how much louder but maybe 30%. I have never listened to my music really loud. But it seems that if I turn the music down I the intensity goes down more than just what the volume goes down."

There are so many different areas that you can explore given the type of problem you have. The above quote stands out, though. I find that the happier you are with your system, you tend not to play it as loudly. Increased volume suggests that you may be missing something and you compensate by turning it up. Maybe something is wrong with the equipment or you just don't like the way it sounds. No idea if that is your problem, its just something to consider.

A couple of other things that come to mind is to check your speakers and make sure all the screws are tight. Its a very common problem to have them work loose over time. Also, move your system to another room and try it. Its a pain but it can answer a lot of questions as to weather its a room acoustic problem or not.
marqmike OP
847 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions.
I haven't used my tt for about a year. I have been using just a transport and dac, both with damping material on them.
The idea of taking the system to another room is a good one. Thanks. I will try that.
My speakers have swapped channels and I get the same thing.
The thought about listening louder as compensation is also a good concern. I will play with that idea.
Thanks gentlemen.
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