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Need Help With a Bright System

My system consists of two NAD C 272 monoblocks, an NAD C 162 preamp, and an NAD T 532 DVD player. The speakers are Triangle Antal XS. My problem is that the system can sound pretty edgy and bright on many recordings, particularly rock and pop albums. One very noticeable aspect of this bright sound is edgy vocals that have exaggerated sibilants (i.e. ‘S’ sounds). I'm currently using a pair of Kimber Timbre interconnects between the preamp and monos, and Acoustic Research silver series interconnects between the dvd player and the preamp. I was using a pair of Kimber PBJs between the dvd player and preamp, but found the ARs to be warmer and better on the bass. The speaker cables are a pair of Straightwire Quartets, which I believe are plain copper. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get rid of this bright sound? Obviously I wouldn't like to lose detail while doing so, but I understand that this may be a trade off. I'm willing to make a necessary upgrade, but I just want to ensure that whatever I chose to upgrade will definitely take away a lot of the brightness that I currently hear in this system. I know that using a tube amp instead of solid state would make a huge difference, but what else can be done?
jwglista
sol322
426 posts
 
The power strip you mention IMHO won't help that much. Something at least at the level of Monster HTS2000 will be my first attempt to consider. Or better if a dealer can let you home try something.

Let us know what happens with the mass loading.

Do you have untreated reflective surfaces in your room? i.e. between your speakers, side walls. If this isn't the case seems you have a mismatching problem, you might lessen it's effects but have to live with it.
If you can swap your source with your father's you might know if source has a bearing with highs problem.
Good Luck
Luis
rosstaman
455 posts
 
Pack all your gear and ship it to the White House for a few days. That should eliminate any brightness.
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
Given that the room is well furnished I agree with The_kid. You need to change the speakers.

Cables, vibration etc will not remove the brightness .... they are second order effects.

Improving the source (DVD player) would help but will probably cost at least $1000.

So I'd agree ... sell the triangles and invest the money towards less bright speakers. Since you bought them used you won't lose much.
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
I'm not all that sure tube equipment will be your answer. I wouldn't worry about topology (tube/SS) so much as quality. You need something more refined than the NAD you are presently using. I suggest a "band-aid" fix until you upgrade your eletronics. Also, the AC outlet you are using, you might want to change if its old or not high quality. This can make a big difference. I've found that the power amps that I own sound best just pluged in the wall socket. I believe Wiremold makes a power strip which certain Naim dealers recommend. They offer no conditioning. I bought one of these when I had a Naim Nait 5. Works well. (I have one of these around if you're interested.) Another fairly decent conditioner for little $ is the Panamax 1000. Use w/your source equipment. (I know a dealer which has a used one which I'm sure be less than $50.) Bill
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
I see clearly an electronic issue which might be the case with integration with NAD amps that might be clipping at high freequencies.
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