2. amps-preamps
  3. 1357249928

How do I smooth out violins?

I have a decent system (bit of a mixed bag) but know that I can achieve a smoother, more integrated, and more relaxed massed violin sound. I listen to a ton of orchestral music and notice that massed violins in their upper registers (1500-3500 Hz) often jump out from the mix and sound a bit harsh, unlike what one hears live. Right now, I have the following:

Spendor SP1/2E
McCormick DNA-125 (original)
NAD 1600 (pre/tuner)
Marantz CD3000
Audioquest Sidewinder ICs
Audioquest Type 4

Would a tube pre help (maybe a AA M3A)? I'm thinking that the NAD may be the culprit. Any advice from those of you who have quested for "real" violin sound is very much appreciated.
bojack
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I think massed strings are the single hardest thing for digital to do right. Digital has come a loooong way in the past few decades, but I've always noticed that massed strings seem to be the most difficult task for that medium, and though it sounds better than years ago, it's still apparent to me.

Tubes and warmer cables may help to take the edge off, but IMHO, you probably need to try vinyl to get it right, especially if you listen to a lot of orchestral music.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
"The CD player is fairly new (well-reviewed recently), and it is actually a CD5004 (not the CD3000,my goof), so I think it will stay at least for a while until I can eliminate other components."

That's good to hear. Anyway, this thread was a wild ride.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
I have the CD5004 also. Even Stereophile could not find fault with it. I don't think it will be the problem.
Cheers
Post removed 
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,549 posts
 
Jmcgrogan is right about digital and massed strings. I suspect jitter can
have a noticeable effect with sustained high frequencies as is common
with bowed mass strings, particularly violins. Some of he best massed
strings i have heard from cd came from a dcs puccini to vtl pre to vac tube
amp to magico mini. Another was an all mbl rig with a huge soundstage
where everything had lots of room to breathe.
More to discover