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Need Help With a Bright System

My system consists of two NAD C 272 monoblocks, an NAD C 162 preamp, and an NAD T 532 DVD player. The speakers are Triangle Antal XS. My problem is that the system can sound pretty edgy and bright on many recordings, particularly rock and pop albums. One very noticeable aspect of this bright sound is edgy vocals that have exaggerated sibilants (i.e. ‘S’ sounds). I'm currently using a pair of Kimber Timbre interconnects between the preamp and monos, and Acoustic Research silver series interconnects between the dvd player and the preamp. I was using a pair of Kimber PBJs between the dvd player and preamp, but found the ARs to be warmer and better on the bass. The speaker cables are a pair of Straightwire Quartets, which I believe are plain copper. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get rid of this bright sound? Obviously I wouldn't like to lose detail while doing so, but I understand that this may be a trade off. I'm willing to make a necessary upgrade, but I just want to ensure that whatever I chose to upgrade will definitely take away a lot of the brightness that I currently hear in this system. I know that using a tube amp instead of solid state would make a huge difference, but what else can be done?
jwglista

Showing 3 responses by seandtaylor99

seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
First the room ... is it hardwood floor, or carpet ? What about drapes or soft furnishing ? Any large windows. Hardwood, large windows and lack of soft furnishings all tend to make a room bright. Clap your hands ... does the clap deaden quickly, or does it ring ?

I don't know what the audio quality of your DVD player is but a lot of less expensive CD players can be slightly sibilant, I think due to poor timing jitter at the DAC. My own experience of adding a reclocking DAC to a Marantz CD67SE increased detail AND decreased brightness all in one go.

If there's any way you could borrow a good reclocking DAC (e.g. Benchmark) and give it a try it might give you an idea of whether the source is the problem.

Also look at speaker and listening position placement ... I recommend www.cardas.com in the insights section under room setup.
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
Given that the room is well furnished I agree with The_kid. You need to change the speakers.

Cables, vibration etc will not remove the brightness .... they are second order effects.

Improving the source (DVD player) would help but will probably cost at least $1000.

So I'd agree ... sell the triangles and invest the money towards less bright speakers. Since you bought them used you won't lose much.
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
"I spent a long time researching and coming up with the decision to buy these speakers"

And when you demo'd them did they have the same edge that now annoys you ? If not what was the partnering equipment in the demo ? Go buy it, or start saving.

If you did not demo them, but bought them on the basis of reviews then I think it's time to accept that you made an unfortunate choice, sell them and move on. You might lose a little money on the deal, but you'll be better off in the long run.

You could sink a whole lot more money and time into power conditioners, cables, outlets, vibration control, and other stuff, that in my experience delivers the last <5% of the sound, but it will not cure a terminally bright system.

If you really like imaging and want to lose the brightness I'd suggest a used pair of Spica Angelus, or Tc-60s, or if you can stretch a pair of GMA Europas.
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