HELP Why no bass? Why bright?

ALso...if your B&Ws are on loan...and you detest brightness as you stated...going with a soft dome tweeter ala Spendors,Castles,Proacs,etc might be the ticket...although this will not solve your bass issue...if you really crave more bass...you will have to add a sub to just about any monitors to achieve it...or go with a floorstander...which is another set of trade offs all together....

ALso..to address your cable concerns...analog guys love Kimber cable for its warmth...and I have heard from fellow posters DH labs cable can be bright with the wrong equipment....I hope this helps...just for the record...B&W speakers seem to be getting "brighter" with every new generation....

You made no mention of your room or what you like to listen to by the way. See if you can find a Stereophile test CD and check your system's bass response. If the B&Ws are performing sorta close to spec then you really do not have a SYSTEM problem. Speakers are usually responsible for the bass performance. The amp can not create it if the speaker will not support the lower fundamentals. Alternatively borrow some Krell or Bryston amp/preamp combos and see what your system does then. Make sure everything is wired properly too.

Thank you all very much for your responses.

Ok, looking at your current equipment and needs I'd recommend the Wharfedale Pacific Evo 300. It's Bi-wireable so you can bi-amp, has a soft dome tweeter so no harsh brightness, and has tight defined bass. It's also a damn good looking speaker IMHO, and it's kevlar drivers and real wood veneer will resemble the B&W. You will give up some of the speed and details of the B&W, but I think the Wharfedale's smooth presentation will win you over. Check them out at IAGamerica.com