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  3. 988502002

Newbie with "bright" system

I recently bought a new power amp, and for the first time, my system now hints at recreating a music "venue" rather than playing songs. For this long-time music fanatic, this is incredibly exciting (I now realize I'm hopelessly hooked). Pushing onward, my current system seems "bright" and "harsh," causing listening fatigue at moderate to high listening levels. It also lacks believable bass detail and extension. Looking for low to moderately priced ($300-1500) incremental, high-value upgrades - I suspect cabling and receiver as pre-amp - what to upgrade first?
Arcam Alpha 8SE - CD player
Nakamichi AV-10 as pre/pro
Bryston 4BST
B&W CDM 7SE
Bettercables IC's and biwire speaker cables
"Industrial" metal rack
Any insight/advice welcome. Thanks in advance for input. Mark
mraybeck
mraybeck OP
23 posts
 
I appreciate the feedback so far. I knew the "Nak" was a weak link, but this system pulls double duty as a HT rig. Have been looking at pre-amps and have read glowing praise for the BAT VK-3i in my price range (used). Does anyone have experience with this pre-amp in a similar system? Does it have a "HT" bypass like the SFL-1?
macm
116 posts
 
I have the BAT VK30SE and VK-500 w/BAT-PAK, just like Jeff. Fantastic products, but I don't think you need to drop that kind of change (around $6k used) if all you're looking to do is take the edge off a bright-sounding system. My recommendation is this: Buy some used Harmonic Technology Truth-Link interconnects. They impart a warmth to the sound that just might be exactly what you're looking for. If you buy used at a fair price, you can always turn around and sell them to get your money out if you decide it's not what you wanted. I've since upgraded to the Pro-Silway Mk II's, but the Truth-Link's have a definite warmth and richness to them. I've always thought they would be a great choice for a bright system. Good luck.
macm
116 posts
 
Quick follow-up...if your amp is brand new (you didn't buy it used), it probably needs some breaking in. New components often sound harsh and edgy until they get at least a hundred hours under their belt. I wouldn't do anything drastic until you're sure everything is sounding its best.
chstob
140 posts
 
That CD player has a forward sound to it too. I agree the pre oughtta go, but the CD player's sound might need considering here as well. Don't get me wrong, I had an Alpha 8, and I loved it a bunch, not bright per se, but a forward british sound. The wrong interconnects and I could see you being disgruntled from harshness, fatigued even. Do the pre in first (this should likely solve all your problem), then you might try some different I/C's, if still not what you want.
mraybeck OP
23 posts
 
MacM, thanks for the tip. I have, in fact, been looking into some used HT Truthlinks based on info found here and reviews. Would it be better to buy a pre-amp first before working with cabling? Thanks, Mark.
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