Upgrade...Sounds great...Goes away

When you get to repeat step one above, is about the time my wife hits me in the head with a club. Sometimes I still repeat your process though :)

I think we invariably grow accustomed to the new level of resolution / fidelity that is achieved with upgrades to our audio systems. Over a short period of time, our ears are no longer surprised by the improvements, and we subconsciously begin to simply expect that the system will perform at the new level.

I honestly think that, if we were somehow able to wave a magic wand and transform our regular listening rooms into ideally positioned windows onto a great concert hall, we would soon grow accustomed to even this - arguably perfect - live music sound.

All this reminds me of the Keats poem, Ode on a Grecian Urn. Often the excitement of the chase is more rewarding than actually achieving the goal.

"Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard
Are sweeter; therefore, ye soft pipes, play on..."

the 'biggest'break-in and 'upgrade' in audio is in our heads.

That's so true. Probelm is we haven't figured out why the sound got worse and if it's only temporary.

Maybe best to wait a few more days and see if it comes back.

The best thing to do with ANY upgrade is to unwind it after a little while to make sure that the changes you are hearing are actually improvements and not just differences. Yes, you will get used to them over time and just fold them into your expectations.

Another truism is when you go listen to someone else's system and you don't hear those same improvements/changes that you got from your upgrade. Remember, everyone's reference is their own system, and you know that sound intimately. Other people's systems are based on their ears and preferences and may not correspond with yours.

Enjoy,
Bob