Is it too bright or is it high resolution?

audioconnection, not at first because I was unaware that the CJ preamp inverts phase. But I did recently invert the polarity to the speakers and it now does sound different on most CDs. Thanks for your question.

The subjective term "bright" or "brightness" relates to the high frequency content of the sound source.   It's a fact that human hearing is most sensitive to sound between about 500 Hz and 5000 Hz.  Above and below that range the human auditory system falls off sharply and varies greatly one person to the next.  That is to say we all hear differently which leads to the wide range of opinions on what sounds bright or dull and so forth. To further complicate matters, our hearing changes throughout the day, especially at higher frequencies.  To prove that point, listen to your sound system in the morning after a quiet nights sleep then listen again after driving home in your car after a days work.  It will sound different.  The electronics and speakers did not change, your hearing did.

When it comes to high end amplifiers there are certain differences that cannot be measured but can certainly be heard.  The classic example is tube amps versus solid state.  Tube amps generally sound warmer while solid state amps are regarded as brighter.  Again referring to high end equipment, the differences are small but they are there.  I currently own a pair of Audio Research Ref 610T's and a Pass Labs 350.8 and must admit I hear differences with identical music sources.  To me, some music selections sound better on one amp and others sound better on the other amp.  In general, my wife prefers the 610T's which to her ear and I agree delicate and revealing yet enormously powerful when needed and above all, easy to listen to.  The Pass seems to be a bit more punchy in the high end and harsher when pushed which may appear brighter but I don't think I would call it that.  Perhaps a few harmonics are added but nothing big to speak of.   So, problem solved.  I got two great amps and one great wife and all is good just waiting for the next great audio adventure.   

  

I have heard very expensive systems (even with tube electronics) that made my ears bleed - plenty of resolution, but also an a-euphonious bite. This is with recorded music that I was familiar with and generally enjoyed listening to on other systems. If this is how the original engineer intended it to sound, then we disagree on what sounds good.

On the other hand, I have heard other systems both modestly priced and quite expensive that have rewarding levels of content and spatial details and speed, while providing a neutral window on the recording, meaning some recordings are on the warm side, some slightly distorted or over heated, some emphasize the treble, and some/many sound just right. The difference along this price spectrum is that you generally pay to get more detail, speed and clarity at volume. Listening room plays a bigger role in all this than we may want to admit. Just try to tell your partner you need $100,000 for your new hifi and another $50,000 to redo your listening room so it doesn't hurt their ears. They will tell you what is not-too-bright...

knownothing
I have heard very expensive systems (even with tube electronics) that made my ears bleed - plenty of resolution, but also an a-euphonious bite. This is with recorded music that I was familiar with and generally enjoyed listening to on other systems. If this is how the original engineer intended it to sound, then we disagree on what sounds good.

I agree reed and I'll actually go quite a bit further and say almost every system I've heard is way too distorted in treble especially but also everywhere else. And this is true even for mega buck systems. Time of day, weather, setup, mistakes in the system and simply being used to hearing the distortion all contribute to the sad state of affairs. And I don't even have to open the whole can of worms involving...you know.

Good point but can someone explain what accounts for distortion in the treble region on some systems?