Please help - system "brightness" problem

I would say to follow Neil's advice and give your new speakers a couple weeks' worth of regular use (if you haven't already) before starting to worry. Speakers exhibit both electrical and mechanical break-in periods, to my mind. From what I know of most of your pieces besides the integrated amp (with which I am familiar by reputation only, and I can see in your "System" that you have a good PC for it), I don't think the rest of your gear is likely to sound intrinsically bright. So my only other guess would be - if the problem doesn't resolve itself with break-in, and if the new speakers are not supposed to have a bright sound (I've never heard or read about them) - that maybe their dispersion pattern will require something different in the way of positioning or room treatments.

I agree with Z, and Neil. Speakers take a long while to (some way more than others)come into their own. Relax and let those babies run while you're not around, if you can. This will give them time to settle down. Sometimes, the perceived brightness you're hearing, are bold contrasts, that didn't exist before. You'll know after 200 hours what the deal is. Get back to the 'gon after, and let us know what's happening. peace, warren

If after a reasonable "break-in" period your new speakers still sound bright, ditch them and get some different ones.

Neil, Zaikesman, and Warren,
Thanks for your advice. It seems at this point, patience is the key, of which I am often lacking.
Joel

The Tyler ref monitors can sound bright, particularly with solid state (which Ty prefers). There is a switch on the back to "step down" the highs which helps a bit. Also try a high quality jumper if you're not biwiring. That will help clear up the highs and they'll sound less hashy. You might also try experiment with positioning and room damping.

Good luck.