Speakers sound too bright.


I just bought a new pair of Martin Logan 60xti speakers.  They are too bright and fatiguing.  I would like to avoid returning them.  I've tried toeing them in and out.  I cant get them further than 1ft away from the wall (back of speaker to wall).  I have a about 1-2 hrs of play time on them.  Not sure if break in will help settle the upper frequencies down. Any suggestions...?

rwalsh07

I would think it's primarily between your ear and the speakers. If they sound too bright, your ears are telling you what you may not want to hear, no pun intended. I would not tweak anything, but return the speakers. 

Or you can buy and EQ, quickest and cheapest trick.

I purchased a pair of Zu Soul Supremes and had the same issue. I waited for break in and went past the return date. I never got over the fatigue and ended up selling them. Was able to listen to Audio Note e/lx and problem solved. I don’t blame Zu, since I know they make a good product. I think I have sensitive ears is all. Don’t make the same mistake I did and hope they work out. Try to break in and if they don’t get significantly better, return. No shame. 

You need to treat your room. Absorbers for high frequency 

preferrably behind them.  Will help a ton

good luck

One possibility. If these new speakers are 2-3db higher in sensitivity you may be playing them louder than the Kefs not realizing you need to lower the volume. Louder than normal levels can make mids and vocals a bit sharp or harsh.

Happened to me once. Upgraded speakers. Was testing them out on familiar music, but not remembering that I should have reduced the volume about 35% due to 3db increase in sensitivity. Once I realized this and lowered the volume I was very pleased with the sound which had sounded occasionally bright or sharp when I had the volume too high.