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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
photon46
1,079 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
2,866 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.
labtec
189 posts
 
I can almost guarantee it's your CDP. Using a passive preamp (which usually is very transparent) is likely exposing more of the problem with the CDP. Also, since you are getting no gain from the preamp, you may be stressing your amp depending on how loud you're playing.

Room can definitely be a contributor, but, even in the best room, that CDP won't cut it for true audiophile purposes. Funny you mention cymbols since that CDP was notorious for splashy cymbols. Its day has passed.

Unfortunately, most cheap CDPs (and many pricey models) have issues in certain areas that can be hard to swallow over the long term. That's one of the reasons why vinyl is still alive and well.

At a minimum, look to a current model CDP with a recent DAC and good transport. If you have a DVD player in the house, swap it with your Marantz, and I bet even that will sound better on CDs.
cdc2
122 posts
 
Here are two alternatives that will work

a. Get a Cardas 300B Microtwin interconnect to put between your cd player and your preamp. You should be able to get these for less than $100 at /www.gcaudio.com

b. The next step, in addition to a good interconnect, and one I'd recommend to anyone who is running a solid state amp, is to replace your preamp with a tube preamp. It will make all the difference in the world and your system will come alive.
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
You need to change your IC & spk. wire before making any other changes. I would recommend Tara Labs Prism 22/33, Wireworld Oasis III, VDH D-102 among the possible choices. RS "Flatline Gold" 14ga. spk. wire is a really good inexpensive spk. cable which will provide much better sound than the Monster's you're using. IMO. ($20, 50') Bare wire termination. (Follow Elizabeth's advice and do not touch the exposed copper w/your fingers. Does make a difference.) Onecall.com had/has? AQ Type 4 @ $2.50 a ft. if you want to try some solid core wire. Try this first and then decide if you need to change a component.
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