I know obstaining from masturbation 2-5 days before sex can maximize sperm count. but leading up til then, could masturbating too often effect count?

Maybe: Sperm count is complicated. It depends on testosterone levels, size of testes, infections, inflammation, nutrition and prostate health. As we age, our sperm count goes down. Masturbation once a week has been shown to increase the count. But get a sperm count and do some "research". See for yourself how masturbation affects your count by getting several counts.