[SignalOne] Harsh RF Gain

[jerry]

All,

    I notice that strong signals sound a little harsh.  Then when I back 
off the RF gain, they get
smoother.  Hard to describe, but it can make the difference between 
"understanding with difficulty"
and "armchair copy".  As I back off the RF gain, the noise fades down, 
while the main signal stays
the same - and gets smoother.

   Is this something I should troubleshoot, or is it just how they are?  
The radio is fully sensitive;
the 100kHz calibrator comes in S9+20.

                 - Jerry, KF6VB