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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

Showing 1 response by mijostyn

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,225 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?

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