Completely restructuring my modest system..

Since NAD gear is known for sounding warm and somewhat soft up top, the primary culprit for the brightness that you complain about would probably be your speakers. If you sold the NAD gear and went to more neutral sounding components with these same speakers in two channel mode, it would be even brighter. The logical deduction is that you may not only end up selling your 5 channel electronics, but also the speakers that went with it. Think of this as a chance for a fresh start : ) Sean
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I am willing to take the leap, at this point. I've had all this gear for just over a year, and I can't quite adjust to it.

Problem is, I don't quite know where to start.

For speakers, I haven't heard anything but raves about the Green Mountain Europas, so I'm considering them as a starting point.

Depending if you want a floor stand or monitor. If a monitor I would go with something like a used Green Mountain Europa (Great monitor that punches well above it's price) $600.00 . You can get some decent stands around $150 to $200 if you look hard. For a preamp maybe a used Eastern Electric Mini Max (giant killer among tube preamps)for $750.00.This has you up to $1550.00 on the high side.For amps.. a pair of used Monarchy Audio Class A SM70 wpc monoblocks for $750.00. to $800.00 tops.Ok we're at $2350.00.Put another $100.00 with whats left and pick up a Scott Nixon Dac. Keep the NAD DVD/CD player and use it as a transport. You won't lose any money on this combo and it will sell for roughly what you have in it if needed.

If a floorstander checkout the Soliloquy 5.3s new for $900.These speakers are very smooth but have great detail.Their very efficient and dip down to around 30 hz. All of this will also depend on the room you have to work with as well.Another speaker to look at is the MMGs for $550.00 new from Magnepan with a 60 day money back policy.You would be looking at maybe $50.00 for shipping.So your back to $600.00 for speakers.This will leave an extra $350.00 after buying the Minimax and SM70s monoblocks. You could get the Dac and still have $100.00 left over.

Just Thinking! Good Luck!

Thanks for the recommendations. I am curious about tubes, and I think I might be more comfortable going tubed one componenent at a time - probably the pre-amp. Any other amp suggestions for the GME? I doubt I have room for the Maggy's, though they look great.