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Help me to tame brightness

I recently changed my Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v.2 to v.3. My source is Sony DVP NS999ES.,then Bryston SP-1.7 and Anthem MCA 50. All connected to 2 dedicated 20 amp. lines through API Power Wedge 114 ( power amp directly to the wall).All cables, including PC's are Signal Cable. I didn't feel much brightness with the V.2 Studios, so didn't I initially with the V.3. Everything seemed to change after a burn-in period of about 40-50 hours. Now it sounds very bright and fatiguing. What is it? inherent brightness of Paradigms? ( i was under impression that V.3 should be an improvement over the older one), the room? (basement 21x14x8, carpet over concrete)?, CDP?, Pre-Pro?, Power Amp? a combination of everything, my ears?.
What would you suggest I should try taming the brightness, short of changing everything?
Any help will be greatly appreciated. Regards.
maril555
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
I'd assume it has to be the speakers, and what I would do is continue to allow them to break-in. I think you may have broken in the tweeters, but not yet the mid and LF drivers. Give 'em a couple of hundred hours before starting to worry.
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
I think any speaker should be broken in for 300 or so hours before you consider it's sonic merits
stehno
1,453 posts
 
Keep in mind also that it's entirely possible your new speakers are just a bit more revealing than the old speakers. But assuming your new speakers are not the main problem, I'd have to guess it's perhaps a little bit of everything.

However, with a bit of reseach, you might be able warm it up with a certain richness.

For example, a Rotel amplifier is a solid state known to be somewhat dark and rich in sonic character. This could be exactly what you need to balance things out a bit.

Based on your words, it also sounds as though that you have not implemented any type of AC line conditioning. If your equipment is on the bright side of life to begin with, then unconditioned AC will only add distortion and harshness to an already bright sound.

-IMO
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