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Need help w/ B&W CM2

Looking for advice to help tame that harshness that comes with bright recordings, top hats, crashy cymbols, and pronounced 's' sounds in voice. My friend is using the B&W CM2s and NADc370. I know a large part of the problem is the metal dome tweeter, but he'd like to try some different amps before giving up on the B&W's (they look too damn good). Price range should be around $500 used (could probably go higher but lets start slow) and ultimate volume is not a big issue since they are only occationally played loud (the 370 was overkill). A remote control is preferred but not necessary. I was thinking tubes- Cary, Jolida? hybrid -Jolida 1501? SS- Rega, Linn, Musical Fidelity? I have no idea what is a good synergistic match w/ B&W. I've heard both arcam and rotel with B&W and noticed some harshness with those as well. Please help!!!
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perkadin OP
281 posts
 
Audiobugged- I will definatly try the cable/interconnect route, but I want to change the amp first then fine tune. I'm looking for changes that a non-audiophile friend would notice right away.

Ellery911- Great suggestions, I've never even heard of Audio Analogue or Audio Refinement, I'll certainly look into those.

So far my list is as follows:

Audio Analogue Puccini
Audio Refinement Complete
Linn Majik
Jolida 1501RC

Pop, Jazz & classical are not big on the playlist, alot of Dylan and Dead, and some rock, both modern and classic mostly. Do any of these do well with poorly recorded material? Any experience, particularly with B&W speakers and these amps is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!!
perkadin's avatar
perkadin OP
281 posts
 
That's kinda what I thought, can't polish a turd, but I thought a less resolving amp would allow certain recordings to be played without gritting ones teeth. Call it the 'aiwa' effect as those little 3 piece systems could play anything. Any comments on the Linn or Jolida 1501? I'm not sure bryston would be forgiving enough, the B&Ws can get dowright brutal at times.
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