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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
 
With all due respect to those suggesting solutions which involve cables, wires, etc., replacing the cd player & preamp first would be much more likely to yield "big bang for buck" improvements. The cd player is quite old now and you can do much better than the marantz cd-63 without spending big bucks. I also agree with the suggestion to try a tubed preamp in combo with solid state power. Not to dimininsh the importance of good wire, but trying to use wire as a tone control to cover up sonic sins is a quick route to frustration.
a_e_watkins
106 posts
 
Chris, I am not familiar with your other equipment, however I can tell you that I owned the Marantz CD-63SE for a very short time and it was so bright and harsh, that I could not stand to listed to the system for long extended periods of time.

So I think that changing your CD player would help your situation greatly.
musicslug
430 posts
 
I also had a CD63se - it's way bright and thin. If you can find a used but decent DAC, that will help a lot, but you'll also want to get a 'reclocking' device between the CDP and the DAC. You could probably pick both up for not too much $, but at that point you could probably get a comparable newer (used) CDP for that kind of $... Also, power conditioning (even a cheaper unit) or isolation can be pretty useful with a cheap CDP. The used price for the CD63 these days - $100-$150 tells you everything: that's what it's worth.
whatjd
1,139 posts
 
The op-amps in all inexpensive CD players..are the problem in many a system out there. Your system will sound like it's weakest link...and fifty cent op-amps are weak indeed...this is why Dan Wright, Mr. Kern and many other people make money doind mods to CD players.

Also, the Adcom stuff is a bit bright, but not to the extent to be the cause of what you are speaking of.
the_kid's avatar
the_kid
465 posts
 
Chris,

I have had your problem. Not to sound mean, but I would sell your system and start from scratch. In my younger years when I ran a high end store, all the Manufacturers woud run contests. I acually won an Adcom stack, (GFA-535, GFP-565,and a GCD-575) I was using a pair of Kefs back then and could never get the system to sound right. It was the earlier Adcom stuff's sonic signature which just make my ears bleed on any less than perfect recording.

I actually sold the pre-amp first then picked up a CJ PV-10A.. Wow! Things sounded a heck of a lot better. I then picked up a Sonographe (Lower end CJ amp) and things fell into place. What I would recommend you do is sell your passive controller, your amp, and your cd player and purchase a nice integrated amp and modern day CD player such as the Creek or even NAD depending on your budget. You can get some real deals on mint used gear here on AG.

Just my advice based on my experience, not trying to add insult to injury.

Good Luck!

Chris
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