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  3. 1020613426

How can I solve the harshness of my system's sound

Here is my system:
>Paradigm Sutdio 100V2
>Monster Audio spk cable
>Odyessy Stratus Amp
>Transparent Link 200 interconnect
>Hafler DH110 pre
>Arcus CD72 CD player
>Sony turntable w/ Grado cartridge
What can I do to solve harshness in the high end. I have had the problem also with my previous Power amp and CD player and when I had the system at a different location with a different shaped room. I don't know if the problem is the speakers, or are they simply revealing the limitationa of the Hafler pre, or is it something else?
Thanks
cford
kt_88
242 posts
 
I agree with replacing the pre, hafler is quiet grainy on the highs. However you didn't say how much money you want to spend to correct the problem. A tube pre would definitely help your problem.

The Acurus cd player can be bright in the " wrong " system. Monster cables ( in my opinion ) suck! So anything would be an upgrade over these, Kimber, Audioquest, Nordst, etc. Their are a number of cheap interconnects that would help a little, but they would indeed only be a bandaid.
gold
46 posts
 
I agree with replacing the preamp. Try something dark like the BAT 3i.
prpixel
876 posts
 
Replace the Hafler pre-their are the worst.
bishopwill
369 posts
 
The Paradigms do have aluminum dome tweeters but reviewers have unanimously agreed that they are NOT harsh or grainy with either tubes or SS. I think you need to look upstream from there.

will
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
Power conditioning
Replace that Monster Cable with at least Powerline (if you prefer to stay with Monster)
Experiment with interconnects & upgrade AC cords
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