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Help. My system is shouting at me

Recently purchased a new Cambridge 740c cd player to add to
my Exposure 2010s integrated amp and Castle Richmond 3i's. After about 3 weeks of break in it is sounding good but vocals have an annoying quality. I am relatively ignorant when it comes to technical terms to describe sound qualities.The best way i can describe the problem is the highs sound like shouting instead of singing.The problem occurs even at moderate volume.Needless to say it's unpleasant to listen to. Could speaker wire be causing the problem. I am using Monster THX off the spool which is a combination of copper and silver. I have some good Ecosse wiring coming soon, but i am not sure if that's the problem.
The problem seems to have manifested recently with the break in of the cd player, which is ironic.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
blazen69
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knownothing
1,579 posts
 
Blazen69,

Before you dump the Cambridge, you may want to try what Philjolet suggests above. I have a Cambridge 640C which has the same DACs as the 740C, and it took MUCH LONGER than one month for the player to settle down. One suggestion would be to set the player on repeat night and day for about 30 days straight (whether or not it is driving the amp), and see if that changes the sound significantly. With that said, the Cambridge will never be "laid back" no matter how long it is played. But you might find that you do not have to choose between living with significant artifacts such as the shouty or harsh vocal peaks or getting another machine.

One last question: what kind of power cord are you using? A good or even decent power cord designed for digital gear may help preserve the detail Cambridge players are known for while softening some tendencies towards being overly forward.
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
Better now then after 1,000,000 hours break-in period.
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
Usually it's the speaker/room interface. See:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?rspkr&1197744079&read
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
Well, yes but in Blazen69 case he did not have this problem with his older CDP. Yes, killing first reflections and some treatment behind speakers will definitely help but it won't change CDP characteristics.
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knownothing
1,579 posts
 
Mrjstark says in another thread:

"I have been married for almost 11years - I think breaking- in is important period to be sure....but it is not true that it will always sound better afterwards. Most of the time, it is just the DENIAL. If it does not sound good in the first two or three days - it never will. Trade it !!!!"

Most of the time? Maybe. I say sometimes yes, sometimes no for break in making a difference. I have been to De Nile by the way and it is a nice place. At least you are consistent in your opinions. Wives like that to be sure - as long as it is the same opinion as theirs... LOL
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