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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
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.
bigkidz
3,381 posts
 
Whoa, how far out into the room are the speakers? Change the position to see what happens first. Next get a 14" bike inner tube, blow it up some and set it under the CDP to see if the sound becomes less bright. Do the same to the preamp. If not, then try a few different power cords and ICs to see what happens, borrow them from a dealer. Try an Acouistic Zen Tsuami power cord and Matrix ICs to see what happens.

Happy Listening.
gregm
3,405 posts
 
When the passive + amp combo sounds thin, it's usually a matter, either of a) impedance (signal transfer b/ween pre+amp) OR b) upstream component.
In your case it's probably the cdp. I've heard it and it sounded to me more or less as you described it.
OTOH, I would hardly expect that engineers at adcom know nothing about circuit analysis and therefore can't choose a volume pot (the passive) that bridges with their own amps!

Kotta's suggestion for solid core is also good BUT ONLY if you live in a relative quiet environment, free from stray fields (otherwise you just could send the system into oscillation)!
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