Can't get Acoustic Zen Adagios to sound smooth

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I auditioned the Adagio's a few years back and I can honestly understand feeling brightness or lack of smoothness on some recordings.

Their presentation was quite forward, and while it provided an immediacy to the sound, it also made for a bit much over an extended session. Hot recording, its very much right in front and center with every wart on display. The sound stage was wide, but was more diffuse than delineated and somewhat short in depth.

I don't think any various tweaks will totally resolve your issues as its more significant than a minor occasional bite. Always best served with a speaker that is close to your ideal and adjust for minor niggles. If you do go out to listen to new speakers, take your time and experience a variety of deigns.

Dealers can be challenging since they often want to make a sale and become ridiculous in the process. I once plainly explained to a dealer about good and bad things about the speaker I just auditioned and that I had preferred something from a line he didn't carry. He went on an aggravated rant and I wished him a good day and said goodbye. A few days later, without any contact by me, the manufacturer of the speaker reached out after the dealer decided to explain how he might have gone overboard. Today, this dealer doesn't carry any of the speakers auditioned that day and actually has the brands that he insulted! Lets not forget my own hearing while he was at it :-). In the end, I came out realizing I only need to trust what I prefer as its the only thing that matters.

We all perceive things quite differently so there is little chance we are all going to like the very same thing. I know people who can't tell the difference from MP3 320kbps and CD. We also found that he can't hear above 14khz, so it explains things a little bit.

So take the music your familiar with, all the experiences you have with your current setup, and go out there and find what works for you knowing what you do today.

"03-31-15: Marqmike
What was the original post?"

The OP made a slight detour.

To Mmeysarosh, Your comment exactly described what I am hearing and have heard over the last 4 years. It is not been painful, just overall disappointing.

At the same time, let me say. the Adagios provide a wonderful accuracy in the mid-range. However, the music DOES NOT sound either real, natural,or organic The few Chesky CD's, I own in many ways show what the speaker is capable. Dynamic range is off the scope. Nevertheless,I have ran out of solutions, and there are so many(if not too many) aspects that factor into good, convincing, hold the listener's attention...sound.

Interestingly,,another member shares the same opinion as Mmyersarosh, that any tweak will make only a marginal difference. Nevertheless, I will try Soix and Almarg advice of changing the output tubes of the Rogue Sphinx hybrid integrated amp. Rogue suggested the Mullards 12AUL which are available on Generalex Gold Lion site. According to the tech at Rogue, this should smooth out the top end with out rounding it off.

The recently acquired "used" Ayre CX-7E is a given in the system, and I was going to have it upgraded to the "mp" version which is the most current design. FOR THE RECORD, I was going to have this done to bring the player to peak performance, and not as a potential cure for the hard edgy sound when playing CD's. This was evident to vary degrees with my former Rega Apollo. Now, I may just hold off until I have these other issues resolved.

Nevertheless, thanks to all those who participated in this "beerhall" rumble.

I went through the same years ago with my Vandersteen 3 series, though in reverse as I found them too smooth. Wanted to like them more because of what they did well, but was never satisfied. Finally gave up, and been listening happily ever since.