Quote Originally Posted by musbdeaf
I don't get the crosstalk issues
If I turn my RX-777 up to 2 o clock no relative distortion. Past that yes it builds.
Most rock that I would play at those levels has it's own distortion, so it's hard for me to discern the differences. Besides half way is ear ringing territory for me.
From my understanding higher wattage is more aptly used for dynamic changes. The RX-777 is rated @ 140 watts in this catagory. I guess that's a 40 watt dynamic capability??? (Who knows how true this rating is?)
A good percentage of the rock I listen to have large dynamic ranges. Alan Parsons, Van Halen, Moody Blues, just to name a few.
On the other hand classical at much lower levels lacks some of this dynamic range as compared to a Mark Levinson sytem and the Mcintosh system I listened to. $25,000+++ vs. $1800 total system. DUH no ****!
Generally I'm not happy listening in "pure direct" or "cd direct" modes. I do as I said adjust the treble -1 and usually the bass +1. In a smaller room flat may be best???
After all is said I am indeed thoroughly pleased with what I have.



musbdeaf - unless you start listening to your music at lower decibels - its likely you might just end up with your nick as reality ! Anyways, good for you that you dont get this crosstalk between components at high volumes.

The same experience here with the AX-596, distortion starts creeping in at after 2'o clock position and there after rises rather steeply. As far as the added 40 watt dynamic capability your system has in excess of mine - I am sure if yours isnt rated true - then so would be mine and we end up with the same amount of difference in capabilities anyways!

Alright, so this one sentence of yours clears out a lot of grey areas for me - I didnt know that rock has its inherent distortion beyond a point. You sure do listen to some good rock. I too started out with the Floyds and Parsons and LedZeps but over a period got more into heavy metal and progressive stuff. Just coz I listen to Megadeth, Blink 182, Linkin Park and likes - doesnt stop me from owning a copy of every Pink Floyd album ever released commercially. My only problem is that the place I live in - most people consider rock to be noise - and wouldnt even let me hang around if they got down to discussing music!

I wouldnt comment on the classical music - probably the only classical orchestra I ever heard is the Philharmonic that plays with Metallica in the 'S & M' Album. Sometimes I do feel inclined to get myself a few Bach's or Mozart's - just for the heck of it.

What do you feel is the ideal tone settings for a 300 sq ft room and music of the nature i just described? I never seem to be happy with my choice of tone settings, I alter them every few days and still they seem inadequate. Keeping it 'Pure Direct/Direct CD' makes the whole deal sound somewhat boomy - specially with my pair of DIY speakers (No, not me) with a pair of 8" woofers each.

I too feel pretty happy with my deal - the AX-596 cost me close to equivalent of 400$(mind you thats a big deal when converted to Indian currency) - and boy does it sound better than what it cost ! Specially when you've been brought up on Sony and Philips - its one hell of a leap. But then I wouldn't dream of upgrading to anything but a decent (?Marantz) Tube amp at 200WpC even in the future.

I guess I too need to keep the volume dial within some confines - both my listening SPLs and music choice dont supplement my profession's stereotype - I must try and change. If I ever get a late night call from some critical patient or I just get disgusted with all the reading in the early hrs of the morning - I turn up the rock - so that even my nieghbour's ears must be ringing. Would it be disturbing and irking my neighbours? but then who cares!