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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
piezo
304 posts
 
a quick potential fix. I was trying to use a pair of HT pro silway II (silver and copper)between my CDP (ARC CD-2 going to VTL tube gear then to Dunlavy Athenas) and pre but they had a horrible top end glare while doing a bunch of other things much better than the all copper truth links which didn't have the glare. While experimenting with vibration control to see what i could gain/loose (both did occur depending on what control approach i used) i found that a set of cones/vibropod combo under the CDP took away all the glare while leaving the positives intact. adding some vibropods to your set up may be worth a try along with mass loading. Cheaper than a new pair of speakers
jwglista OP
206 posts
 
Piezo: Yes, buying new speakers is pretty much out of the question right now. I spent a long time researching and coming up with the decision to buy these speakers, and to be honest I like how clear they sound; I'd rather match other equipment to suit these speakers. I do in fact have a set of cones underneath the CD player. I've tried using them both ways (pointed end up/down). The interconnects i'm using between the cd player and pre and AR silver series, so I may try a pure copper interconnect. I'm also going to try swaping the ARs with the Kimber Timbres that are going between the pre and the monos. For rock music, I can handle having the speakers toed out/facing forward because the loss in imaging doesn't really matter.
the_kid's avatar
the_kid
465 posts
 
Jwglista,

I hear you on researching the speakers but let me share a friends experience. He too purchased the Triangles and I was taken back by how they imaged and the clearness you are explaining, I mean wow!, I heard it. However, I did not like anything else about the speaker. Also, try listening to them for over an hour. Better buy stock in Advil.

God forbid you try and play Rock & Roll on them which is what I (and my friend) listen to the most. I mean who really wants to listen to Patricia Barber and Norah Jones all day because of the recordings. It gets old and tiresome.

You see it is the "clearness" you are talking about that turns into "brightness-hash-glare" with a less than perfect digital recording.

I just set up a different friend with a budget bedroom system which consists of a NAD BBE integrated and a Pair of those inexpensive EPOS ELS-3s. Using a Rotel CD player and entry level AudioQuest, the system sounds fantastic. There is ZERO brightness and the system sounds much better than some bigger rigs I have heard for only $500.00 here on Audiogon used for the whole system.

I would put money on the table that your electronics are really not your problem. Putting vibration devices under equipment and changing cables will result in small changes but are merely band-aid and will not eliminate your problem. Why make sacrafices for the music when it is the most important thing here?

Respectfully,

Chris
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
"I spent a long time researching and coming up with the decision to buy these speakers"

And when you demo'd them did they have the same edge that now annoys you ? If not what was the partnering equipment in the demo ? Go buy it, or start saving.

If you did not demo them, but bought them on the basis of reviews then I think it's time to accept that you made an unfortunate choice, sell them and move on. You might lose a little money on the deal, but you'll be better off in the long run.

You could sink a whole lot more money and time into power conditioners, cables, outlets, vibration control, and other stuff, that in my experience delivers the last <5% of the sound, but it will not cure a terminally bright system.

If you really like imaging and want to lose the brightness I'd suggest a used pair of Spica Angelus, or Tc-60s, or if you can stretch a pair of GMA Europas.
jwglista OP
206 posts
 
I think what some of you may be forgetting is that the NAD amplifiers I'm using right now are not mine; I've made no financial obligation towards these amps or CD player, they're just something for me to use while I save up for my own components. Yes, these speakers are bright and are definitely harsh on rock music--with solid-state amps. I'm not ready to sell these speakers before listening to them on a tube amp. No, I did not get to audition these speakers because I bought them used off of Audiogon.

The_kid: I understand what you mean about getting fatigued by listening to these speakers, but did you hear them on solid state gear or tube gear? A HUGE part of having the “right” system is correctly matching the components. I doubt these speakers would have gotten such good reviews if they sounded bright and harsh with every single type of gear out there. I'm still going to try a tube amp with these speakers, which I think will really make them sing. However, if you're a semi-headbanger like myself, the tube amps just can’t deliver that extended bass and attack that are a big part of that kind of music. But I'm certainly willing to accept that trade off to get rid of this brightness, especially because of the milky smooth and airy midrange that you get from tubes.
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