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advice on brightness

i just set up my first system and although the excitement hasn't worn off, i have become aware of a pronounced brightness and sibilance in the sound.

my set-up is very modest and any advice would be greatly appreciated.

-Audio Refinement Complete integrated

-Harmon Kardon dvd25 (not the best for CDs, but it does have a good DAC: Wolfson XWM8740 Delta Sigma 24-bit/192kHz, same one in Arcam CD82)

-Athena AS-B1 bookshelf speakers

-AudioQuest Type 4 speaker cables (terminated with bananas)

-Straigh Wire Symphony II interconnects

i'm hoping i can resolve the brightness with different interconnects. my budget is around $150.

thanks!

~derek
mrdereklee

Showing 1 response by joeldoss

joeldoss
94 posts
 
Derek,
I just had a "brightness" problem. I purchased a pair of used Tyler Reference Monitors and set them up with my Linn Ikemi and Plnius 8150 int. amp. I use HT Truthlinks and Pro 9 speaker cables, Shunyata Black Mamba PC, etc. and never experience the brightness with my old speakers (B&W Matrix 803s). I found out that two of the binding posts on the speakers were loose (two small nuts on the inside of the speaker needed tightening). Problem solved. Make sure that all of your connections are good a tight.

Also, systems need time to "burn-in" Use it a lot for two weeks or more before you begin changing cables.

Happy listening,
Joel
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