2. misc-audio
  3. 1220247599

poor source material

Hello friends,

Before I begin, let me make a quick disclaimer. I am VERY new to this hobby and just started putting together a budget system the other day, so if this sounds like a stupid question please go easy on me!

Anyways, I currently have a pair of Dynaudio Focus 140s, Rotel CD player and a receiver rated at 100x2. I quickly discovered that I am going to have to invest in a good amp but, I also noticed that a lot of albums (that I used to think sounded ok) sounds terrible on my new system. Of course, room acoustics and gear are partly to blame but, am I wrong in putting the blame largely on the album itself?

Is there anything that can be done to make these poorly recorded albums sound 'better'? Like I mentioned, I will be investing in a nice affordable amp, like a Halo A21 but, I'm not sure how much difference it is going to make. How about adding an equalizer?

I've tinkered with the tone controls and it is a quick fix but, a few albums are still unbearable.

I have also toyed with the idea of setting up a separate budget system on the side, strictly for use with lower quality recordings. I'm thinking of using very affordable gear with 'forgiving' speakers. Is this a stupid idea? Or do I just have to accept the fact that some albums simply will never sound good no matter what you do to them?

Any advice, thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated!!

Thank you all so much!!!
ucsb21

Showing 1 response by newbee

newbee
4,794 posts
 
If I had your problem I'd simply get a cheap 2d CD player and put a cheap equalizer between it and your receiver and reserve its use for those times you must hear the poorly recorded CD's.

There is no really good way of dumbing down a system so bad CD's will sound good, but I agree that you can improve the sound of a lot of 'bad' CD's if you put the money into a carefully thought out up-grade of your system.

A lot of folks have found that using (some, not all) tube CDP's and tube buffers helps with some CD's which are simply recorded hot and need some taming in the highs. With a buffer or tube CDP/DAC you can also control the tone quite a bit by tube selection.

Just something to think about.

Oh, another cure of sorts - when you are listening to the 'bad' CD's turn down the volume! :-)
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