2. amps-preamps
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Help. System sounds thin and bright or harsh

Hope this isn't redundant tried to post in Tech Talk

Just moved my system to a new home/sound room and it still sounds harsh and a bit thin despite supposedly "warm" sounding Harbeth 30.1 speakers. This issue is not new and I had put the blame on the old listening room.  Can't figure out what the problem is. I listen loud at 80dcbl or higher and sit nearfield about 8 feet from the speaker plane. (sound is thin and bright from afar as well) I have experimented in both homes with speaker placement, toe-in and the like. Speakers are placed a lil over 3 feet from the rear wall and about two and a half feet from side walls.  I feel something is off. Perhaps a component or two that is known to be tipped up in the highs and a lil bass shy?? Also, I leave all solid state components fully powered up 24/7. (not the tubes)

System:

Modwright/Oppo BDP 105 disc player  (all mods with tubed power supply and pricey NOS tube upgrades throughout)  Looking to replace once the harshness/bright issue is nailed down.

Parasound JC2 Preamp

Pass Labs X250.5 Amp

Harbeth 30.1 stand mount speakers

Puritan Labs PSM 156 power conditioner. (less "edgy" sound with it in system)

System is run all balanced with fairly costly Cardas interconnects.

All input is welcome. Thanks in advance.

Happy listening.

 

 

cymivka

Showing 4 responses by grislybutter

grislybutter
3,627 posts
 

"A pair of subs"

they won't make the sound warmer. It's going to be surgical to sync them up with the Harbeths

grislybutter
3,627 posts
 

re room treatments: unless you are in a glass bubble, your system should have the tone and characteristics (such as warmth) you expect without room treatment. 

grislybutter
3,627 posts
 

I have 0 to contribute but I like this thread for my learning. It's weird that you have these awesome components and experience these issues. I would say synergy if I was as smart and knowledgeable as ghdprentice.

I hope it will work out for you without throwing more money at it.

grislybutter
3,627 posts
 

from my humble experience and I wrote this under this and other posts:

subs won't make it warmer.

Good speakers like the Harbeths are not NOT warm. 

That's the amp's job. I definitely wouldn't sell the Harbeths if your problem is lack of warmth  (sound too thin, too bright). In my very uneducated view, that path won't lead you where you want to be.  I had a 45 year old Marantz,  it had the warmest, smoothest sound with any sets of my speakers. I would try a cheap-ish integrated amp first. 

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