High frequency issues

Hi, wonder if anyone can help. I have recently purchased some used equipment all from different place. I am using an Arcam alpha 7se cd, alpha 9 integrated and alpha 9 power amps with linn keilidh speakers I am using linn phone cables and linn speaker cables. The room is pretty large. Problem Im having is distortion at high frequency not at particulary high volume. The cables are the second set I have tried, 1st ones were very basic but had the same problem with them. I am also lacking in bass punch. Would be great to get some advice to fix this annoying problem. Any ideas????????

April 27, 2010 - 6:26pm

Kal Rubinson

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Re: High frequency issues

Not sure how the 7SE improves on the 7 but I did review that one way back when. http://www.stereophile.com/cdplayers/199arcam/index2.html

Have you another source to exonerate the player? Have you access to a better DAC?

Kal

April 27, 2010 - 6:30pm

Buddha

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Re: High frequency issues

Working with way too little info, but that almost seems like a 'capacitor sound' when you describe the distortion.

So...

Any other gear you can hook the speakers up to to see how they do?

Then, if they are fine on another system, then hook them up to the integrated and check, then compare with the regular amp driving the same drivers and see if you can localize the problem.

I'd save the digital troubleshooting for later - if it were the player, you should hear the distortion at all volumes.

April 27, 2010 - 8:55pm

Freako

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Re: High frequency issues

I have to agree with Buddha here...

April 28, 2010 - 7:01am

jason graham

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Re: High frequency issues

Yes I have access to other equipment which I will swap and play around with in the next few days. Thanks, I will let you kno how I get on

April 28, 2010 - 7:03am

jason graham

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Re: High frequency issues

I have access to another player which \i will try in the next few day, thanks

April 28, 2010 - 6:30pm

Jim Tavegia

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Re: High frequency issues

Have you done phasing checks on the speakers to your amp? You would get a very diffuse sound with little defined bass if out of phase.

April 28, 2010 - 9:08pm

Freako

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Re: High frequency issues

Could it be faulty caps in the crossover?

April 29, 2010 - 1:16pm

jason graham

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Re: High frequency issues

Have to excuse my ignorance but how would I check it?

April 29, 2010 - 1:19pm

#10

jason graham

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Re: High frequency issues

My mid range is superb, base extension is also goo it just lacks punch. Could even be just my personal taste. I used to have some Ruark Icons which did have punch but these keilidh have more clarity. except in the high frequency range. Its not awful awful but there is definately a problem particulary with "s" sounds. Does this still sound like a phasing problem?

April 29, 2010 - 2:10pm

#11

Freako

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Re: High frequency issues

IMHO it could be:

1) a speaker cable misadaptation problem
2) a property in the tweeters
3) a misadaptation between speakers/other apparatus
4) ?

I am going for #1 - when you describe it as "...not awful awful...", perhaps you could try with darker sounding speaker cables. Probably not a flaw in crossover caps after all. I am not sure how to check that anyway.

P.S. Are you using solid core or stranded speaker cables?

April 29, 2010 - 2:41pm

#12

jason graham

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Re: High frequency issues

Im using stranded Linn K400 speaker cable. Faulty tweeter did cross my mind and Im currently trying to scource some replacements. Im sure all connections are right and hear what your saying about darker sounding cables. My local HiFi shop are extrememly helpful and have agreed to lend me a selection of cables to see if I can iron out the problem. Not bad huh, who does that these days. A friend is bringing over his B&W CDM this weekend which should tell me a lot.

April 29, 2010 - 4:11pm

#13

Freako

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Re: High frequency issues

Sounds awesome... good luck!

May 2, 2010 - 3:23am

#14

jason graham

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Re: High frequency issues

Silly silly me. 10 years ago I had an arcam/ruark set up but divorce/child support took care of that. So getting my new system together ment I had spent 10 years away from listening to quality sound and apparently that was very ovbious because I had some of my interconnectors reversed. It should have been so so obvious. I should have double check that but hey ho I didnt. But did before I did any other fault finding on my system.

I now have beautiful high frequency, mid range and the clarity and punch from the base that I want. Amazing how much difference it has made.

Thank you for you comments and help although I do feel a little silly for being so confident I had connected them correctly and not double checking.

I am now looking forward to a life hobby quality hifi. I now remember how I used to feel with it......extremely happy with it but always looking for every improvment possible within my budget. Budget? I dont think so....

May 2, 2010 - 6:21am

#15

geoffkait

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Re: High frequency issues

Quote:
Silly silly me. 10 years ago I had an arcam/ruark set up but divorce/child support took care of that. So getting my new system together ment I had spent 10 years away from listening to quality sound and apparently that was very ovbious because I had some of my interconnectors reversed. It should have been so so obvious. I should have double check that but hey ho I didnt. But did before I did any other fault finding on my system.
I now have beautiful high frequency, mid range and the clarity and punch from the base that I want. Amazing how much difference it has made.

Thank you for you comments and help although I do feel a little silly for being so confident I had connected them correctly and not double checking.

I am now looking forward to a life hobby quality hifi. I now remember how I used to feel with it......extremely happy with it but always looking for every improvment possible within my budget. Budget? I dont think so....

Now, all you need to do is make sure the interconnects are connected in the right direction. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

May 2, 2010 - 9:39am

#16

jason graham

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Re: High frequency issues

Indeed very funny haha hoho hehe

Fair play I deserve it!

May 3, 2010 - 12:37pm

#17

SAS Audio

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Joined: Jun 6 2007 - 6:56am

Re: High frequency issues

Glad everything worked out ok Jason. Pm me if there is still any problem with sizzling S or a little too bright.

Cheers.

May 6, 2010 - 7:56am

#18

Freako

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Re: High frequency issues

But that's a good ending after all. Good for you buddy, and always happy to help out

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