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Hihat Question

Thanks in advance for your opinion-

My system is:

Anthem Integrated 225

Musical Fidelity Cd as Transport

Schiit Modi Multibit

Technics Sl 1200 mk2

Usher Cp6311

Morrow Cables

I like the system overall, plenty of bass, voices sound realistic, highs are not strident, etc.

As a drummer, I love to hear hihats, cymbals, etc. On some systems in the past I’ve heard more of this than through my setup. Most of these setups have been in the past on equipment I perceive is a lower grade than mine.

My question is: 

Should I be hearing most every hihat strike, close? Is hearing these sounds consistently the sound of a revealing system or a ‘tipped up’ presentation that I would likely tire of?

Live music varies to me in this respect, and the music on my my system varies as well. Unfortunately, I’m not able to demo where I live, so I’m interested in your opinion. Fwiw- I hear all a lot more treble in my automobile, but could be due to the euphoric goal of the manufacturer. I’m in my late 50’s, so that may play a part-

On many jazz albums, it’s all there, others not so much.

Sorry for the one post.

Thanks
uncledemp
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,333 posts
 
Folks are missing the point.

You need a good tube preamp not a good recording or a treble heavy speaker.

All the suggestions here to raise the treble will just ruin the balance of the overall musical presentation. Most hi-hat sound is 2-3KHz - treble will only add shimmer.

A good well selected tube preamp will add some harmonics to the 2-3KHz range and allow you to better hear the hi-hat. Our hearing uses both fundamental tones and harmonics. Amazingly our ears can work out the fundamental even if it is totally absent provided the harmonics are audible enough!!! Hi-hat has little in the way of natural harmonics - a judicious choice of tube will add the necessary touch.

(The use of tubes in this manner was Doug Sax secret sauce in the Mastering Lab - it is the main reason why his masters seem to extract so much more sound than his competitors ever did)
uncledemp OP
277 posts
 
Thanks again.

I fine tuned my positioning and adjusted the speaker rake a bit. I sit low on a modern style sofa, so that adjustment helped. 

I’m happy with the sound now, especially after reading these posts and getting a sense of how recordings differ. I listened to your suggested music and am pleased with how it sounds.

I’ll keep the tube preamp suggestion in mind as well as Usher’s DMD speakers in the future if the upgrade bug bites.

Best,
gary


uncledemp OP
277 posts
 
Elizabeth,

I have a Furman conditioner and use after market power cords- some are Pangea.

Thanks for the Kimber suggestion, I’ll keep it in mind going forward.

Thanks,
gary
michaelgreenaudio's avatar
michaelgreenaudio
643 posts
 

That's great news Gary! Here's what I tell & show my clients. It's all there, just have to find a method of fine tuning that works for you.

have fun

Michael Green

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
4,908 posts
 
Hey Gary, have you ever heard the original JBL L-100 loudspeakers? They sound very much like the Shure SM-57 mic that a lot of the snare drums (and therefore hihats, to some degree) you hear on albums were recorded with. A nice, big fat presence peak built in that accentuates the frequencies right were cymbals reside. You might like them. I don't know if the new L-100 reissue retains that peak.
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