How to tame a bright system?

2nd suggestion for Nobsound springs. Get 2 sets and place them under your amp, then the DAC. Guaranteed to make the sound mellow and treble less tinny, sounding fuller, lusher and more analog. The only disadvantage is you need to spend some time and effort in getting the spring configuration right. For the price they are quite a bargain.

Good isolation for your equipment and speakers will bring a more natural sound to the system.. Percussion and cymbals will sound more natural and real with a more accurate tone when the gear are properly isolated.  Ditto the midrange and bass.  Do give it a try.

Tension - I use a Schiit Loki (the small one) to resolve the exact issue you are talking about. It runs in the processor loop on my receiver and is completely transparent. Only $150 too. If you get it and don't like it, I am looking for another one and will buy it from you. Just get the black one - I already have a silver one.

Geoff

@snarfie23 Two great points.  Room acoustics were my first thought too.  Is there a hard floor between you and the speakers?  If so, try adding a rug.  And a second great point, no electronic solution can correct for a problem with acoustics.  Period.  

Your setup probably suffering from digititis. You want to fix it with cables. Good luck with that. IMO the answer is a balanced power transformer. Does wonders to tame jitter. Of course no one will give my opinion any credence. Had to say it anyway. Thanks for listening.

As I went down the thread, I was going to ask why no one is bothering to mention the room, but Snarfie23 saved the day, and with empirical measurements no less.

Measuring isn’t everything, of course. But I can offer you my personal, anecdotal experience that confirms Snarfie23’s post, notwithstanding MC’s clamorous protestations to the contrary.

For 41 years, my system suffered from brightness and harshness in a 1,200 sq ft space in a 2,000 sq ft NYC loft.

Then, I moved into a townhouse that I renovated and restored. My office and (smaller, 550 sq ft) listening room is in the attic. I did not cover the 17" of rock wool insulation with sheetrock. I instead simply put fire-resistant burlap over it.

The problem went away.

As I slowly populated my bookshelves with my library, it came back, only a little.

The cliche is true: the room is 50% of your system. Maybe more.

You are welcome to try it and see if it works for you.

Full disclosure: I am neutral on cables.