How to fix my detailed, accurate but BRIGHT system


Hi everyone, I need help. I like my system in that the base is tight, it has good detail, it's dead quiet and it plays well at higher volumes. What I don't like is the mids and highs are way to forward and the system is lacking warmth. I don't feel my system is very musical or engaging. I'd rather not replace my amp and speakers as I think they are a good match and I don't think I can use a tube amp as these speakers are hungry. I have a large room 22'x38' with a 17' ceiling. I have a lot of glass and all tile floors. Room treatment is not an option as this is our main living space. Should I try a tube DAC, Tube Pre., tube Buffer? How do I warm up the sound I'm getting? My system consists of the following.

Rowland Capri Pre.
Butler 2250 SS/Tube amp
PS Audio Digilink 3 Dac with stage 3 mod.
Aerial 7B speakers
Integra DPS-6.7 DVD/SACD
Wadia 170i (files in lossless)

Thank You in advance for your input!
gregfisk

Showing 1 response by onhwy61

You'll never get the results you seek because you are not willing to address the causes of the brightness and you reject the cures. You have a very large room and you use very inefficient speakers. Your room's surfaces are very reflective, yet you use a wide dispersion speaker. Acoustic rooms treatments - can't do! Equalizers - won't do that either! That leaves you with only one possible way out -- a preamp with built in EQ. Check out the various current and past model McIntoshs. But be warned, it's still a band-aid type solution. The mismatch between your room and your speaker is the real problem.

It would immensely help if you would post your system and include several pictures of your room.