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Stereo system Too Bright

I have a stereo that consists of a Marantz CD-63SE, an Adcom SLC-505 passive pre, an Adcom GFA-535II power amp, Axiom M40ti floorstanding speakers, Phoenix Gold $20 interconnects, and standard Monster speaker cable.

Lately I have really noticed that it sounds too bright. With some recordings, it seems like there are two tracks, one for the hi-hat and snare, and one for the rest of the music. cymbals always seem to come out over the top of the mix, to the point where it is bordering on unlistenable. At the very least it's extremely annoying.

I'm wondering how I can get rid of this problem. My preamp doesn't have a tone control, so I'm thinking that I'll probably have to go for other interconnects or maybe alter the speaker cabinets somehow (by stuffing them or something). I don't know how you would go about doing this, but it seems like about all I can do - there are only so many components that could be at fault. Does anyone know what my problem is? Hopefully these components aren't just totally mismatched...

I hope you guys can shed some light on this issue.

Thanks,
Chris
metonymy3
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,680 posts
 
ROOM TREATMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
photon46
1,082 posts
 
Chris, having auditioned the Marantz cd-63 in my system some time ago, I remember it sounded rather bright and grating. I ended up buying a Cambridge player and found it much smoother and musical. Not familiar with your speakers, but I've owned Adcom in the past. The amp is probably relatively neutral, but I suspect the passive pre-amp is contributing to a rather anemic sound. I've found passive pre amps to lack dynamics. That's just my preference, others would take exception to that opinion. Also, you cannot underestimate the importance of room acoustics and treatments for problems therein. Do a little reading on the subject to get a sense what your acoustic room issues might be.
rwwear
2,867 posts
 
I agree with Photon. You will be better off with an active preamp. You may also try moving your speakers around until the sound improves.
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