2. amps-preamps
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Need a warm amp for bright speakers

So when I bought my system some time ago I made some mistakes being this the first time I ever ventured out doing this. I bought Paradigm Monitor 9 v5 and a Pioneer VSX21TXH. Surrounding speakers aer all Monitors backs are Titan v5 and center is a 290 I believe v6. The SVS kills though. The fronts do get very bright when pushed especially with metal that I listen to and it is VERY BRIGHT. Without redoing my whole system is there a way I can tame this problem? Use my Pioneer for maybe center and rears and processing and a dedicated amp for the fornts? If so what should I shoot for? I hear NAD is a good warm amp. I don't want to sell or get rid of the Paradigms because getting all new speakers would be far costlier than a dedicated amp. However I am a little skeptical that I can solve this with just and amp. All ears open for a relative newbie.
mmartin0617
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
I would not assume the spks. are at fault. I own some Paradigm Phantoms which also have a metal dome tweeter. I own two small 50w amps (one is Mos-Fet, the other Bi-polar.) Depending on the music being played, I generally prefer the Bi-polar sound. So, add a small amp (your rec. has pre-amp outs) and I believe you will be amazed at the better quality of sound. (BTW, the amps I own, MOS-FET Rotel RB-951. Bi-polar, ADCOM 5002. Next, you haven't mentioned what interconnects and spk. wire you're using. This also has an influence on the sound. Finally, your source may be the culprit as well. I like the idea of adding an amp. That would be ideal for your 2-ch. stereo listening. Good Luck!
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Bifwynne,
Good post and suggestions concerning amplifier characteristics, they do matter. The contributions of the amp certainty can impact the overall sound quality, it isn't exclusively just the speaker being heard.
Charles,
mechans
3,048 posts
 
In my experience with a metal tweeter speaker, you will end up spending more to tune them into the sound you want, than it would cost to sell them and replace them with a warmer speaker. In my case it was a good result because I was happy to use tube power amps (not just a tube pre) and play around with various options over several years. I gather from you post that you don't want a journey just a change. So again sell the speakers as difficult as that may seem, and buy warmer speakers.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Mechans, as I posted above, the OP's problem may very well be the speakers. But in sorting through the issue, he has to start somewhere.

The reason I suggested he start with the amp is because it might be more convenient to move around a SS amp than the speakers. Further, rather than jump into another purchase, I would try to borrow an amp from a friend or a dealer and give it a try.

As I have come to appreciate based upon personal experience and reading about the experiences of others, "upgrade-itis" can be a daunting chronic neurosis. I'm just trying to save a "newbie" from this obsession by keeping it simple.
lancelock
1,099 posts
 
I am also a newbie but will share my limited experience. I had a brightness issue with my 2 channel setup. Put lessloss power cables on my DAC, computer and USB device and tamed the brightness quite a bit. My new Musical Fidelity M6PRX is on the warm side for a SS amp. I will be selling my NAD C275BEE here on Agon soon, also a good amp.
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