Audioquest is bright??

Perhaps it it break-in. Put about 200 hours on them and then decide.

I agree they probably need some break-in. Give it a couple weeks.

Another vote to allow more break in time. Some AQ Pythons I once purchased displayed a really obnoxious midrange at about 50 hours use which then disappated with extended use. Up to this experience, I was sceptical of break in claims.

my friend's experience. Extreme Clear = Extreme Unclear.

This may not be a brightness problem from the Audioquest cables but a speaker placement problem, as I have found switching cables or components require the speakers to be moved, sometimes a slight toe in or out will make a huge improvement, I find it to make more of an improvement with components than cables but try it with the cables as it does make a difference. If you still have the brightness problem you may want to try a few different brands along with IC. Another thing to do is explore the room treatment thing! Happy Listening!