Question for classical lovers


First of all, I grew up listening to classical and jazz, vinyl for the most part, I remember it being pleasant with no fatigue. Later, with low end gear, it was impossible to listen to classical CDs because of the edgy harsh strings. Now with respectible entry level or mid-fi gear that I have tried or auditioned, some of the recordings sound great but majority still suck. I have added tube preamps like AI modulus and Van Alstine in the chain but the problem still exists. So are the majority of CDs just bad digital recordings or transfers or is most gear out there just incapable of handling complex musical passages? Also, quite a few SACDs out there make me and my dog cringe!(must be the 100Khz response or whatever) Do I sell one of my cars and buy some exotic gear or ditch it all and get a TT?
rotarius

Showing 2 responses by robm321

Brownsfan has some good advice. That was the problem that I had. I went through some equipment changes and still had a certain frequency (high freq.) that would drive an ice pick through my ear so to speak. Room treatment is pretty difficult, but you can cover the Auralex or whatever you get with a fabric matching the wall (or getting close) you might have a better shot with the WAF.
When you clap your hands in your room does it give off a harsh glaring high pitched echo? just checking.

I agree as good as SACD is - there is something about the high frequency of it that can be harsh even on a good recording. I also heard my dealer talking about something about SACD high frequency and why it is sometimes hard to listen to, but I don't remember the details as to why.

Classical has some of the better recording out there. Try finding rock music that isn't bright.