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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
audiomax
166 posts
 
Dave,

Many cost effective SS CD players (under $1000 or so) using OPAMP output without this annoyance effect that Blazen69 reported. It sounds like a poor design from Cambridge based on your assessment? If not, there is definitely a mismatch between Exposure and Cambridge.
Post removed 
blazen69 OP
12 posts
 
Thanks for all your responses everyone. Sorry i took
so long to respond. My internet has been down all day.
I think that bob hit the nail on the head.I'm thinking the Cambridge sound is not for me.Might sound good with some
tubes, but it doesn't partner well with the Exposure.I had
the matching cd player and it sounded warm and smooth unfortunately i had many reliability issues with it.I borrowed
some cabling today to see if that was the problem, and it didn't help. I guess the Cambridge is going up for sale.I don't think it's a bad player it just needs to be mated with the
wright amp.The Exposure ain't it.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
knownothing
1,539 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.
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