2. digital
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How to tame the midrange???

I am almost there with my system, except that the midrange sounds harsh, grainy, and exceptionally digital. Female vocals in particular. It actually sounds like clipping, but I can hear it at any volume level. However, the problem is more noticable as volume is increased. I listen to a lot of acoustic music with prominent vocals, so this is a real problem.
The room is 26 x 28 x 9. Furnishings are 6 piece HT type seating and carpet....nothing else. No treatments at all. I/C cables are Radio Shack's best. I plan to do room treatments and better cables last.
I am thinking a good DAC might smooth things out a bit. Or maybe seperate 2 channel from HT by adding a good 2 channel preamp with HT pass through. (the front speakers are already on seperate amps) Maybe a preamp with tubes. I suppose having the Denon CDP modified is an option as well. My focus is 2 channel. HT sounds good enough as is, and is a low priority. Budget is around 5000.00, but flexible.
The gear is:
Sunfire Theatre Grand II processor
Denon 3910 ....no mods
Classe Seven Hundred Mono blocks for fronts
Adcom 300x7 for center and surrounds (all bi-amped)
B&W 800N fronts
B&W HTM-1 center
B&W CDM9-NT surrounds
Another consideration is that I listen to Comcast Music Choice digital music channels quite a bit through their Motorola box. I think that makes a stronger case for adding a good DAC. I am new at this and rely exclusively on Goner's advise. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.
baffled
bgrazman
226 posts
 
I agree with Larry's harshness comment, BUT

I'd seriously consider moving room treatment up in the sequence of things you are going to try. That much bare wall has to have an effect... I'd at least look at the first reflection points and other major problems first.

happy listening
midareff
21 posts
 
#1. First thing to find out ids what your system really sounds like before you make any component changes, or even consider them. Call the Cable Company and have them send you some interconnect and then speaker cables to audition in your system. Radio Shacks cables IMHO have no place in a high resolution system. 1-800-fat-wyre When I was system building I must have auditioned a dozen or more interconnects, then digital cables, then speaker cables.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,499 posts
 
APL can re Engineer the Denon 3910 for a lot less than $5000. Tube stage, With upsampling , state of the art Dac etc.
When its done you can control the volumne thru the Denon direct to your Amps. (No Preamp needed.)

Also, APL can add digital input and analog inputs .

P.S. Trash the Radio Shack interconnects. You have good Equipment buy good cables. Somewhere between $500-$1000 (or of course more) you can find interconnects to be used from APL to Amp.

Remember, everything matters and your system is only as good as the weakest link.
oldpet
295 posts
 
Baffled

1. Your room MUST be treated. You can do some research here, and on the net, for DIY room treatments and save yourself TONS of money.

2. Gmood1 is right. Get a dedicated 2 chanel preamp and you'll be amazed. BTW - I'd recommend a good tubed preamp.

I was like you, in that, I had (have) an HT set up, but was unhappy with my 2 chanel sound. What did I do? Treated my room, and ADDED a 2 chanel preamp to my system. I'm very pleased.

good luck.

paul
mikesinger
572 posts
 
if you are using radio shack interconnects, what are you usung for speaker cable ? is this a trick question thread ????

the sunfire is a decent preamp/processor, and the denon and classe are fine(the dac in the subfire is prety decent too)....

get some decenet interconnects, speaker cable, and poweer cords if your serious...
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