Need Help With a Bright System

Try switching around the Kimbers with the AR silvers.

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

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

“Did you have previously everything except the Antals and sound was OK, i.e. better highs reproduction?”

Well, I was originally using an NAD C 340 integrated which I accidentally burned out. The NAD C 272’s that I’m using are my dad’s; I’m borrowing them for the time being after he upgraded to a Prima Luna Prolog 2. The highs seemed less harsh with the C 340, but that was only at low volumes. The C 340 could not be driven to higher levels or it would sound like crap. Now it seems that the highs have more of the “punch” and attack that solid state amps deliver, except this attack is just too much in the high frequencies. Tone controls don’t do a lot of good either; they can quiet the highs a bit, but I lose detail and the highs still have that exaggerated punch. But no, I’ve only owned these speakers for a few months now, so I haven’t tried a lot of different equipment with them.

”Do you have any power treatment for your source?”

No I do not. I was thinking about this last night as I noticed a buzzing sound coming from the speakers. I have 2 lights on a dimmer circuit which I must have turned off when I’m listening because it causes a fairly loud buzzing in the midrange when turned on. Right now I’m using an old power switch with 4 outlets that probably does nothing in terms of power conditioning. Would a mediocre $50 power strip help improve this? I’ve also thought about the UPS’s that are sold for computers since the power comes from a battery, but that may severely limit the amount of power available to the amps.

”Have you tried any vibration tweaks specially on DVD player?”

I’m currently using a set of cones underneath the player which to me seemed to improve the bass a bit, but they definitely don’t do enough for the harsh high frequencies. I will try your suggestion on mass loading and see if that helps (this is a very light DVD player, don’t know if that would matter).

”Is your system set on a rack / furniture type?”

The system is sitting on top of 2 hard wood boards that are on the floor. They seem to isolate vibrations pretty well.

The_kid: Yes, even the guy that sold me these speakers recommended tubes, but for now I’ll be using the solid state gear. I’ll be using these amps until I have enough money saved up to purchase an upgrade for the system.

The power strip you mention IMHO won't help that much. Something at least at the level of Monster HTS2000 will be my first attempt to consider. Or better if a dealer can let you home try something.

Let us know what happens with the mass loading.

Do you have untreated reflective surfaces in your room? i.e. between your speakers, side walls. If this isn't the case seems you have a mismatching problem, you might lessen it's effects but have to live with it.
If you can swap your source with your father's you might know if source has a bearing with highs problem.
Good Luck
Luis