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HELP: how to compensate too laid-back source

Recently I have upgraded my NAD C541i to Marantz 8400. In spite of the fact that it's not broken-in at all yet, I was amazed by added liquidity and musicality, especially on string quartets and symphonic orchestras. Piano, guitar are also sound so good that it causes me to close eyes and relax (never felt such a thing with NAD). And, the BASS. Comparing to Marantz, NAD didn't have it at all.
On the other hand, sometimes it (ex: Reveries from Reference Recordings) sounds too laid back; and percussions on my world music don't sound as natural as they did on NAD.
I don't want to give it up and go back since Marantz, in overall, sounds richer, and couses me to listen to a music, not a sound, but... Can proper interconnects compensate its laid-back sound, make it some closer?

System
~~~~~~
Source: Marantz 8400 (new animal in my stable)
Interconnects: yet old Moster $30 ones (haven't determinated what to replace it with)
Amp: Moon i-5 (fast and neutral or a little on a bright side)
Speaker cable: AZ Satori (love 'em)
Speakers: Revel M20 (fast and neutral or a little on a bright side)
dmitrydr

Showing 1 response by subaruguru

subaruguru
1,374 posts
 
I agree with Slappy, except that I think that you've already done it...backwards! I suspect that the Marantz has a much warmer presentation (and more perceived bass) simply because its top octaves are rolled compared to the more neutral NAD, and that has you cuddled up in its warm 'n cozy presentation...most of the time.
So try a fast, linear interconnect like a Blue Heaven or Pro Silway MkII. If still too laid back I'd return to the NAD or save some money and wait for the cheaper NAD 521BEE and maybe put a Harm Tech Truthlink on it like I probably will in November. Linear but not TOO wide open.
Probably easier to start by replacing the Monster with the Nordost or Harm Tech and maybe my PCK13Q+G power cord for a cleaner, linear presentation as well (RSVP), in the event that the culprits are just a cheap rolled off cables. If it's still too laid back for you then get another front end if necessary. The cables will still probably be fine for any CLEAN-topped CDP. Have fun. Ern
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