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Need Help With a Bright System

My system consists of two NAD C 272 monoblocks, an NAD C 162 preamp, and an NAD T 532 DVD player. The speakers are Triangle Antal XS. My problem is that the system can sound pretty edgy and bright on many recordings, particularly rock and pop albums. One very noticeable aspect of this bright sound is edgy vocals that have exaggerated sibilants (i.e. ‘S’ sounds). I'm currently using a pair of Kimber Timbre interconnects between the preamp and monos, and Acoustic Research silver series interconnects between the dvd player and the preamp. I was using a pair of Kimber PBJs between the dvd player and preamp, but found the ARs to be warmer and better on the bass. The speaker cables are a pair of Straightwire Quartets, which I believe are plain copper. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get rid of this bright sound? Obviously I wouldn't like to lose detail while doing so, but I understand that this may be a trade off. I'm willing to make a necessary upgrade, but I just want to ensure that whatever I chose to upgrade will definitely take away a lot of the brightness that I currently hear in this system. I know that using a tube amp instead of solid state would make a huge difference, but what else can be done?
jwglista
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
Try positioning your spks. in various ways, toe in/out, distance from back wall, distances, etc. Make sure your spks. are level. Perhaps a slight tilt might help smooth out the sound. If this doesn't do the trick then this is what I suggest. Try different interconnects which fall on the warm side of the spectrum. Your spk. wires are very good for the $ and they are warm and full bodied. I wouldn't change those. If this doesn't work, try different spks. Just auditioned some VR1 bookshelf spks. and these were superb. (My search is over and I'm ordering a pair!) Try to find a dealer whom will allow in home auditions. It sounds like to me you really either need to find a more suitable spk., different IC's or perhaps different electronics for your existing spks. Good luck!
jwglista OP
206 posts
 
Thanks everyone for the info. The room is actually filled with furnishings because it is my bedroom. At first I suspected that it was the room, but after a while I realized that it was more the fault of the speakers being bright. I bought these speakers used, so I'm sure there's at least 200 hours on them. Currently, the speakers are toed in; I had them toed out before which seemed to make a small difference in the brightness, but I lost a lot in terms of imaging. I also tweaked around with trying the mono blocks in bridged and plain stero mode, but didn't notice much difference....
david99
1,467 posts
 
Try switching around the Kimbers with the AR silvers.
sol322
426 posts
 
Jwglista:
Did you have previously everything except the Antals and sound was OK, i.e. better highs reproduction?

Do you have any power treatment for your source?

Have you tried any vibration tweaks specially on DVD player?

Try mass loading the DVD player and see what happens to highs. Add a book (2-3 lbs) to the top of the player and compare same song part with ot without it.

Is your system set on a rack / furniture type?
Your comments
the_kid's avatar
the_kid
465 posts
 
I think your problem is your speakers. Changing your cables is just a band aid and will only mask your problem at best. I have never heard Triangles sound decent with solid state gear. They sound mechanical and forward. Sell Them.. Problem Solved..

Chris
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