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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 5 responses by tavish

tavish OP
5 posts
 
jumpers are connected (were never removed) 
banana plugs (neotech origin)

Amp service ...?  I guess so, bough on eBay from a vintage reseller.  Not an explicit reference to service.  Buyer beware maybe?

tavish OP
5 posts
 
... LOL oldhvymec

yes I am missing the remote!!!
tavish OP
5 posts
 
Thanks all.
Weight of expert opinion says I've got the wrong amp (ok, receiver) and maybe even a faulty one.

At my price-point, Im looking at either a Rega Brio MkII or NAD C368 ...

But thats a question for a different thread
tavish OP
5 posts
 
Thanks everyone.   What a vibrant community you are!

First --
It is not my fathers receiver.  It is the same model, my mother threw his one in a skip bin after he died (ouch)  It might actually be his one - but thats a very long shot :-)
Nonetheless its a sentimental piece and I will keep it on display.  Very insightful of you athrillofhope.

Second --
I have an AV Receiver 7.1, paradigm speakers in exactly the same (crowded) spot and they sound great.  But no good for vinyl/audio.  Which is why I started this whole spree.

Third --
I got a loan of a Yamaha A-S1000, option to buy.  Swapped it in --- its better but not that much better.  So I accept that the room & placement needs attention. 

tavish OP
5 posts
 
Interconnect is not cheapo at all
Speaker cable is premium copper (actually too fat for the back of the Akai)
Speakers are on wharfedale evo 4.2 stands
Maybe i could do something about the jumpers (or bi-wire the speakers...)

Thanks for the the cable-guy advice, I do believe in cables, honestly, but I don't think they're my issue right now.
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