I have always liked the "bright" highs, but I interpreted them as detailed. But as I aged, I find that my tastes have changed. Not wanting to dull the highs but to have the detail without the "Schrill" or piercing. I have begun looking to replace my Revel Performa F32's and am looking to gain a more balanced sound without drawing so much attention to the highs as in your face. I am sure my hearing is diminished over the past 30 years or so, although a recent hearing test, the Dr said I still had exceptional hearing for a man much younger. But he did say I am missing some mid to high frequencies. So my point, Phd, is maybe your listening habits have changed and might be part of what you're experiencing. One last thought, I have a good CD player and a few years back it seemed too bright and I changed cables. This made a significant difference in taming that "schrillness" for the lack of a better word.
Is it too bright or is it high resolution?
It has been said in the forums that one mans bright sounding amp is another mans high resolution amp. Some amps and preamp combinations can deliver a high resolution presentation and to others this may be considered too bright sounding. Is there a fine line that can distinguish between the two? Personally I like very revealing & the fine details delivered but the wife says it sounds a tad bit too bright.