Problems with my Berning ZH270

George, I have (almost) the identical system to yours--EMC I CD, Merlins', and Berning 270's, although I have two running as monoblocks. I tried Quattro FIl IC's--no go, too bright, IMO. Haven't tried SPM's, although some would say there is a Nordost 'house sound'. Using HMS Gran FInale IC's, now, much better. Will (Tubegroover) would probably say my speaker cables (stage3's) are still a little too bright :)( Hey Will, check your email).
Sorry to get off topic. However, the biggest improvement came when I moved my speakers, so I would support suggestions to that effect above. Also, as Khokugo asks, what was your previous amp? And do you have any of the mods on the Berning (ERS, etc.)? The Berning's reputation is for utter neutrality, not brightness. If you are comparing it to a traditional tube amp, it won't sound like that.

Hi George,

Before spending a dime, I would definitely talk to Bobby and figure out how to best place the speakers in your room. I recently switched cables and it didn't sound quite right. I angled the speakers out a bit more (maybe an inch...certainly not more than a couple of degrees) and everything fell into place. Try setting them up according to Bobby's recommendations, or the Golden Ratio set up on Cardas' website. Experiment from there. You'll know when you get it right. And be patient...a few inches towards or away from the wall can make a rather large difference in bass and depth, and the angle does the same for cohesive treble, soundstage width, etc.

If that doesn't help, make sure the room isn't too bright (lots of wood floors, glass, bare walls, etc.). After that, I'd definitely recommend a cable other than the Nordost. They do have excessive treble IMO, which is perfect for many speakers, but not for one with the Esotar tweeter. I've tried Cardas, Luminous Renaissance, Audience AU24, and TG Audio (the last being silver), and all are great in different ways. The Luminous Renaissance is the best deal price-wise...I'd say I prefer the Audience AU24 in most ways, but they are 3X as much. The TG Audio are excellent, but silver (so maybe not the best for brightness problems). TUbes can also make a huge difference, so those are also well worth messing with if all else fails (though a little trickier buy and sell).

Good luck!

I'm in agreement with others with regard to the Nordost cables. Those I've heard sound lean. The balance can then sound bright in a system.

George, I had a similar problem to yours a bit ago. I have the Merlins, the Berning and an Audiomecca Mephisto. I have been using the Golden Refs as speaker cables ever since I got the Merlins both before and after I got the Berning. My problem was solved with a switch of ics between the cd player and preamp. I moved my purenotes from between the cd player and preamp to between the preamp and the Berning and then switch in some Luminous Synchestra refs between the cd player and pre. Voila my brightness problem was solved and my system has been incredible ever since.

I think my problem was, at least in part, the room. I have treated it to a degree but can't give it a full treatment. My ceiling is on the low side and I think I get some nasty reflections off of it. If your situation is anything like mine, and based on my experience, I seriously doubt the Berning is the culprit. Rather, I am with those who posted above, it is most likely your placement of the Merlins and/or your cables.

Hi George,
I have own an EMC1 UPsampler CDP, Berning amp and a pair of Rosinante Dulcineas (Argentaudio.com from Ric Cummins). As I have expeerienced so far my system sounds awesome (detail, musical and little dynamic) to me by using Nordost Quattro-Fils XLR (I have tried RCA but it sounds lean and bright to me) and Jaden speaker cables from Ric Cummins. You should use a balanced interconnects from your EMC1 to Berning by using Cardas balanced adapter (best performed way of EMC1). Otherwise, did you use Telefunken ECC801s as the inputs to Berning amp? I am now using Shun Mook valve resonators to tweak and make my system sounds even better with more dynamic musical bass and high (I love it).

What kind of power conditioner and power cord are using for? I use Elrod EPS2-S for CDP and EPS-3S for Berning amp.
Let me know if you need help. Thanks.