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What would you change?

I have a system consisting of an EAD Ultradisc as transport, a Benchmark DAC, an ARC LS-15 preamp, Gamut D200 amp and VR4jr speakers, and find I am hearing some "grunge", for a lack of a better word, in the leading edge of vocals. There seems to be an edge to the sound, not a sweetnes , and I am seeking some ideas of what I might change to rid the system of the sound.
I realize the description is a bit week, but all comments will be appreciated.
Carl
brrgrr
warnerwh
539 posts
 
Try moving the speaker position here and there an inch or less at a time. Also try changing toe angle. You didn't mention your room and if there's any treatment but treatment can help alot, especially with first reflections. I've found the first reflections can cause what you are describing.
csenn
1 posts
 
If you haven't already done it try putting your gear on a dedicated AC circuit - 20 amp breaker, dedicated wiring to a hospital grade outlet and proper grounding. Removing all non-audio loads from the line cleans up the incoming AC and you will be amazed at what that simple upgrade does to improve sound quality. If you're in a condo or can't run the circuit you may want to try one of PS Audio's Power Stations. I highly recommend the P-500.
iseekheils
131 posts
 
As mentioned, a dedicated line and some power conditioning should help. A balanced power piece or a sine wave generator, like from Exact Power. Also, I would consider changing all of the wires and power cables, before replacing any equipment. Might be just the tune up you need.
Sonny
hbarrel's avatar
hbarrel
342 posts
 
Clean all connections.

As stated earlier, check your tubes.
I've a LS-15 and put in some Ediswan tubes. Real smooth.
afserl
3 posts
 
Try cleaning all connections. The difference it can make is like investing in the multi-buck wires that most of us object to. Also the wires can develop an electrical field that may degrade your sound. Try wiping with some cleaning product like Pledge lemon or other appropriate electrical wire cleaning agent available at the electronic supply house.
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