The high frequencies are uncrisp, rolled off severely, muted, and just lacking generally, especially on contemporary works (jazz, rock). I don’t hear cymbals, hi-hats, or rich, crisp snare drums Totem speakers should not sound like this. Did these speakers always sound this way? Also, do the highs sound better when listening close-up (near field)? It’s possible that your room is over-damped; too much absorption. Though classical sounds ok to fine. Classical on CD often sounds brighter to me due to violin and brass sections that have been "close" or "over-mic'd." |
I see on the Moon W-5
Amplifier that there is a phase inverted RCA input. Although a phase problem would present in other areas such as a lack of bass. I'm just checking to confirm that you're not using this input.
And according to a review, Simaudio has slightly rolled-off highs and sounds very natural. It may be poor synergy between preamp/amp and speakers.
So, what is your budget for speaker recommendations?
Dynaudio speakers have a very dynamic sound with extended highs. With B&W, I find that the 800 series are vastly superior to the CM speakers. However, with all B&W's you will discover a brighter speaker.
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Are you using any power conditioning? If so, remove it and have a listen.
It may be a synergy thing, that's why you should swap out the Sim gear.
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Thanks for checking your power conditioning setup. My thought was that it may be current-limiting, have bad wiring, or might be affecting the impedance or voltage level from your mains.
I'll add that 150 hours break-in on speakers is low. I'll also add that the Audience AU24SE IC's offer a laid-back and organic presentation with no hint of brightness, (fantastic cables, BTW). In the review of the Sim W-5 amp that I read, the author felt the highs were slightly rolled-off (in a good way), so I don't expect your system to ever sound bright. With that said, give the drivers more break-in time.
Let's see what happens when you change to a different amp. You could also try substituting the IC's. Try using RCA cables and see how it affects the sound.
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I think this is a serious finding: Left tweeter almost nothing coming out, with nothing in the upper-highs, and maybe nothing in the mid-highs. a little low-highs. No distortion at all (I think this is important--I listened very closely). Right Channel: Interesting--I heard the lo-highs, mid-highs, and hi-highs--all of them, but overall the signal was very very attenuated from what I might expect. It was not the case that "if I had both speakers firing like the right one it would be great. The right tweeter was, on an absolute level, was attenuated. How are your cables hooked up to the speakers; is it a single-run of cable from amp to the binding posts? Are the upper and lower binding posts connected together with the stock jumpers? It seems like your crossover is not functioning. Are you using the upper or lower set of speaker terminals? |
Definitely do all of the above, but install the brass factory jumpers. Let's keep the speakers in their stock setup to determine if the problem is the internal wiring. |
So far, it still seems like a problem with the crossover connection. How are you wiring the top binding posts to the bottom? |
(Can anybody chime in on Sim Audio and the Audience AU24SE?)
This has been mentioned. Both the amp and cables have a laid back presentation with smooth highs. |
"Can anybody chime in on Sim Audio and the Audience AU24SE?"
This has been mentioned. Both the amp and cables have a laid back presentation with smooth highs. |
In case you missed my question, how are the upper and lower binding posts connected? You said that you weren't using the stock brass jumpers. |
Before you buy any new components, take your speakers back to the dealer and have them checked. Call first. |
Not a component recommendation, but try substituting an IC with extended highs. Your Audience ICs have smooth and laid-back sonics. This is not the fix you are looking for, but with new components, you may get more high frequency detail. |
The issue for you is that a high-end digital source will reproduce music faithfully. That means an accurate presentation of how the music was recorded. It will not provide you with more highs, and if the highs are more extended they should sound more refined than an ordinary CDP.
Thiel seem like a possibility for you, but I think i read that they are redesigning their speaker line, not sure. |
Smart move on your part. Now you can begin to rediscover your music. |
