advice on brightness

Derek,
I just had a "brightness" problem. I purchased a pair of used Tyler Reference Monitors and set them up with my Linn Ikemi and Plnius 8150 int. amp. I use HT Truthlinks and Pro 9 speaker cables, Shunyata Black Mamba PC, etc. and never experience the brightness with my old speakers (B&W Matrix 803s). I found out that two of the binding posts on the speakers were loose (two small nuts on the inside of the speaker needed tightening). Problem solved. Make sure that all of your connections are good a tight.

Also, systems need time to "burn-in" Use it a lot for two weeks or more before you begin changing cables.

Happy listening,
Joel

I can only comment on the ARC integrated which is what I have in my second system. This may or may not help with the brightness, but a Shunyata Sidewinder Gold power cord is a perfect synergistic match for the Complete and it shouldn't break the bank for a good used one($225.00). Some good interconnects from your source will help as well.

Try Cardas Quadlink 5 interconnects. They should add a bit of warmth, and are definitely within your price range if purchased used.

JD

Its your Source. Sell it and apply the extra money to a better source.

...tryin' to think of something other than applying to your system Valhalla speaker wires and interconnects or something mega-uga.

Firstly, I'd try to unterminate your speaker wires and use a bare-wire connection to your speakers and to the amplifier if possible; bananas in general do not provide the tight contact and only expencive locking ones are OK to combine a contact quality with convenience of plugging them on and off. Clean wires off once per week or two with 99% alcohol or any you'd find professional cleaning fluid.

Spray the volume control of your amp with anti-oxide fluid or replace it with DIY stepped one(piece of cake actually) from www.marchand.com

Increase the angle of radiation of your speakers by placing something under: halfs of tennis or ping pong balls, hockey pucks.

Tweak your CD-player with the sam budget tweaks such as pieces of hockey pucks, halfs of tennis balls...