[cmuajp]

I am having a problem with my new home theater setup. I am running 5 Axiom speakers with a SVS sub and a HK525 all connected with RCA 14 guage wiring with gold connectors. The problem I have is that I get a scratchy sound on the diologue when someone is yelling in the media content (peak sounds). Now I thought it was a problem with the reciever so I got a replacement from J&R and still have the same problem. I also thought it was a problem with the speaker so I switched my center with one of the front surrounds and still get the same noise. I also tried new speaker wire and that didn't help. This noise happens on all sources, regular cable (analog) and DVD (digital coax). I am running out ideas on what it could be. The only things I can think of are dirty power fromt the wall or that the replacement reciever is bad as well. What do you guys think? I was thinking about buying a power conditioner and seeing if that fixes it. I can probably get another reciever fron J&R but I am only going to request it as a last resort. I am running out of time on the replacement window (10 days) so any quick help would be appreciated. Thanks everyone!

 

[dsmith901]

I saw a post at ecoustics forum that said the H/K 525 is not recommended for 4 ohm speakers including Axioms. And it sounds like the receiver amps are clipping with these speakers when things get loud. After a long history of providing superior amps it appears H/K fudged up on the 525 amps. AS for a fix, first be sure you have all speakers set to "small," and crossed over no lower than 80 Hz on all. If that does not fix the problem your options are to get a more powerful receiver or a separate amp to handle the center speaker (or all speakers). Consider the refurb H/K Signature 2.1 amp (100 X 5) for $688 at harmanaudio.com. It will handle your speakers with no problem.


Dsmith

 

[cmuajp]

Thanks for your help. The lowest impedance that the speakers have is 6 Ohm (center and rear surrounds). The front surrounds are 8 Ohm and I tried switching the center with one of those and still had the same problem. I do believe that the amp can handle the load because many Axiom owners with my setup use the 525 with no problem. This was one of the mail reasons I purchased it. Any more help would be appreciated.

 

[dsmith901]

Is the problem just with certain sources (DVD, TV, satellite)? If so that unit may be the source of the problem.


Manufacturer's impedance numbers can be misleading, and besides that impedance varies with frequency. The speakers may still be too much for the 525 at higher output. If you don't find the source unit to be the problem, try borrowing a separate amp. If you still have problems then I think the speakers must be bad. Try "borrowing" some JBL or Infinity open box speakers from Circuit City and see if that makes a difference.


Then again, you may have gotten two bad H/K units (they could come from the same batch with a bad board) so if nothing else solves it I would return the H/K and try a different brand receiver.


Dsmith

 

[Spiffy2]

I had a similar problem two years ago. It came down to a process of elimination. Here is what I did:


I first checked all speaker connections. They seemed fine, but I was still concerned, so I ran new wires from the reciever to each speaker (across the floor) to see if it was an interference problem.


Next, I took each piece over to a friend's house and hooked each one up with my cables and his cables to see (through the process of elimination) as to what was causing the problem.


In my case, it ended up being the receiver.



If possible, you might want to try the same process.


Alternatively, do you have a friend that will borrow you his receiver?