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

Showing 2 responses by lowrider57

According to the specs, speakers and amp should be a good match.
Akai:
50wpc into 8ohms.
Speaker load impedance: 4Ω to 16Ω
Speakers:
Recommended amplifier power: 25-120 watts
Sensitivity: 88 dB
Nominal impedance: 8 ohms compatible

Has the amp been inspected or serviced?
These speakers have separate connections for high/mid drivers and bass (woofer). Are the metal jumpers connected and how do you have the speaker cables attached?