2. digital
  3. 1207191158

Maybe too detailed

Just purchased CEC TL51X transport to replace CAL Audio Icon used as transport which broke. Expected nothing new--bits are bits, right? For some reason, everything is more detailed, but almost too much, bordering on "digititus." Some recordings are not enjoyable because every flaw is exposed and highlighted. The sound was hardly lush before, but its detail was not off-putting. The D to A converter is a Tact 2.2XP which is essential for my awful room. Amp is BAT VK60, which you would think would ameliorate any harshness. What's the amswer . . . a tube preamp after the Tact to control volume and soften things up? Your thoughts appreciated.
lavoy

Showing 2 responses by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Here is what happened to you:

You lowered the digital jitter so that the detail and HF extension is in focus as opposed to out of focus. This removed the masking effect of the jitter than you had before. The result is that the new clarity is allowing you to hear the sibilance of another component such as a DAC, preamp, amp or even cables. Maybe even your speakers. You need to swap other components in and identify the offending piece(s). Most likely your DAC is at fault.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
It's important to realize that almost all stock gear has some sibilance and harshness, some more than others. Particularly bad on solid-state gear. Tube gear can be more forgiving because its simpler, but you can sacrifice HF extension and end-up with flabby bass if you are not picky there.

Steve N.
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