How to remove harshness from my digital gear

Sloth - I recommend against using any kind of band-aids to solve system issues, however there is a role for DSP and that is:
1) speaker correction
2) room correction

With the advent of ultra-transparent EQ tools like that in Amarra player, this is not only possible, but will elevate the SQ of any system.

Most speakers don't have perfect crossovers or room response, so they need a little EQ.

ALL rooms have resonances on both axis. Reducing the effect of these room resonances improves bass clarity significantly and makes bass much more enjoyable.

I use this EQ in all of my systems and at shows with great effect (many best of shows).

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Lowrider - what can I say? Its the internet and free MP3 music that killed the CD.

Better transfer them to SS memory before the ones you have start degrading. They eventually degrade.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Almarg:

in your advice to me re: ground loop hum, you stated that cheater plugs are to be used TEMPORARILY. If their use stops the hum... why can that not be the cheap, easy permanent solution? Can damage or something be caused?

Thanks for your advice.

Hi Robsker,

There have been a number of debates here about using cheater plugs as permanent solutions to hum problems, such as in this thread. As might be expected, opinions are divided. Some people do just that, while others argue fervently that it is a serious safety risk.

I believe that the following comment I made in that thread is indisputable, assuming that the equipment is in good physical condition:

If a fault were to develop in [a component] that shorted the AC line voltage to the [component's] chassis, there are various scenarios in which that could result in both a shock hazard and a fire hazard. How great are those risks? Very, very small. But it cannot be said that they are zero.

Regards,
-- Al

I don't think you could go wrong getting a Metrum NOS DAC to solve most of the harshness issues. It may help rejuvenate your Classe transport as it did my Linn Genki... cant make it perfect but lets you hear what the transports true limits are.