I can only comment on the ARC integrated which is what I have in my second system. This may or may not help with the brightness, but a Shunyata Sidewinder Gold power cord is a perfect synergistic match for the Complete and it shouldn't break the bank for a good used one($225.00). Some good interconnects from your source will help as well.
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
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