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Vocals and upper midrange too forward?

Hey all - I just have a question regarding my new speakers.  I would say I am an audiophile apprentice.  I just got new speakers in the system and likely they have a more sophisticated sound with tighter bass and likely more detail but I think that the upper midrange (my words but it seems to be noticeable with male vocals and some guitar etc) is too forward.  Current system uses Prima Luna Dialog HP Integrated and went from Totem Sttaf to Devore Fidelity Gibbon 88.  I notice it both with analog and CD sources.  At first the sound was more "advanced" with the Devore speakers and I was hearing things in the vocals with bands like the Allman Brothers that I had not heard before.  As time goes on, I am starting to think it may border on the fatiguing.  The Sttaf with the silk dome tweeter may be more to my liking though would be a trade off with more cabinet resonance I think with the Sttaf.  Not sure if there is any fix but am I missing anything?  Anyone have similar experience?  All parts of the system are broken in I believe (I bought the Devore speakers used).  There actually may have been an improvement in the sound with the Devore speakers before the spikes were added as they were being shipped and I could not wait.  But now I have the spikes in place and positioned well I think.  Thanks in advance.
zipline11
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
Now I know why you need break-in period!

1. Adapt to a new different sound.
2. Miss the return/refund date, because you'll need to add a few more days/hours to break in.

newbee
4,767 posts
 
While you are fiddling around with the toe-in of your speakers, you might try crossing the axis of your speakers in front of your listening position. The result is often very similar to firing the speakers straight ahead except you can avoid some of the brightness that side wall reflections can create when the speakers are pointed straight ahead. 
martykl
3,578 posts
 
I can recall at least one review (Positive Feedback?) that described the speaker as bright, with elevated response through the presence region.  That's pretty common among audiophile designs, IME.  A lot of speakers trade strict neutrality off for increased perception of detail and enhanced dynamic  "jump" factor.  A little goosing in the presence region can really make a speaker sound exciting.

Damping the first reflection on the walls and floor can often help tame that a bit, but the speaker may just be a bit forward for your tastes.
skoczylas's avatar
skoczylas
240 posts
 
In general I agree with Marty - this is one reason I dont like a lot of "high end" speakers and prefer classics like harbeth. 

Bigger issue is if you dont love them now - and its clear you do not -  its unlikely tweaking will help. You might end up spending a lot of money, be really frustrated, etc. Seriously consider cutting your losses now and switch speakers rather than go down this rabbit hole. 
zipline11 OP
18 posts
 
Thanks everyone.  I am not giving up yet.  Gonna try a few things and then I still have the Totem speakers to go back to if needed.  
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