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smoothing those sibilants...

I appreciate the feedback on the interconnect post I made a few days ago, and here is my next question: If I am attempting to smooth out the sound of a "low-end-of-the-high-end" system, reducing grain while retaining detail (and looking for a warmer more "classic tube sound"), where is my energy/$$$ best spent? Would it be the digital source itself, the interconnects, the input tubes, the speaker cables, or the speakers? Or something else? (System info can be seen under the post entitled "need interconnect advice", and there are some new interconnects on the way.)
aldenruss
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
I had grungie-problems that turned out to be AC power related. I tried a lot of the things you've tried; finally figured out it wasn't the signal cables or the hardware. Look closer at your AC power line feed. You likely need some decent line-filtering & probably some upgrade AC cords too. Chang Lightspeed's line filtering products were my affordable solution to the grunge. Then I experimented with AC cords, & eventually installed a dedicated AC line for even further improvements. Don't mess around with your speakers until the input signal is clean first. They're probably fine as-is.
khrys
446 posts
 
Your problem is why Cardas sells so much interconnect and cable despite the "flavor of the month" hype. Check out Cross or Golden Cross. In your system, interconnect will give best BANG/$$$.
bmpnyc
710 posts
 
I think that Cardas would be a very good choice when comparing cables if you try the H.T. Truthlinks. They deliver the emotion as well as the H.T. cables.
prcinka
364 posts
 
I agree with the idea of going first to check your AC power.Change the outlets first. then check your phase orientation on your AC cables. Then upgrade the power cables.If this does not solve the problem, then go for other interconnects, speaker cables, etc.
aldenruss OP
35 posts
 
I do indeed appreciate the feedback, thanks. Right now I'm only using a Panamax "light commercial duty" power strip/surge protector, but a good friend has a Monster 1000 (allegedly a quality piece) that I will be able to pick up soon. Unfortunately, the cord on the Antique Sound amp that I have is captive, so I don't have much wiggle room there. Do you suggest a better quality wall receptacle, I have read conflicting reports on the effectiveness of this. One last question, is there a reasonably priced cleaner that I could use on the connections throughout the system that someone can recommend? Thanks again for the input, and I will DEFINITELY be trying some different interconnects along with power upgrades... You know, the system sounds really pretty good, if I could just "naturalize" the vocals (female especially).
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