Does Steely Dan sound bright to you?


This is going to sound like a somewhat random question but I’m wondering how many of you find Steely Dan’s recordings to sound a bit bright. I’m particularly thinking of Gaucho, and Aja but some other recent recordings, too, such as Fagen’s Nightfly.

My typical media include streaming (CD and HD quality) and CD’s. I have not played my old vinyl because I’m presently without a turntable.

At first I thought it was my system and it was driving me a little bit mental; eventually, I decided it wasn't my stuff, it was their stuff. Because most other recordings on the same system with no other changes don’t typically have the brightness of Steely Dan.

Whether or not you’re a fan (I am) Steely Dan has often been a go-to for testing out equipment, so I imagine there will be experiences people have had about this.

P.S. Any other recordings which, for you are unnaturally bright?


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Well, I mean, they did go to Bard College ...

I'll be here all week. Please tip your servers.
Sorry for this obviously off topic posts, but I have noticed that glupson has not posted in a month.

Does anyone have any information on what is going on with him. I always enjoy his posts.

In 20 years I never had one post deleted by the mods. In the last week I have had four of my last five posts deleted, so I am wondering if this has anything to do with glupson’s absence?
I wouldn't say bright. Maybe a little upper midrange forwardness creating some artificial clarity. If you believe that's a characteristic of my system, fine. I have no heartburn with that. :-)
Just listened to Donald Fagan Nightfly on a German 180g vinyl from Amazon. Wow, sound close to a Better-Records Hot Stamper!
This is my second copy and the other one is not great.