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Taming edge from remastered CDs?

It seems a common trait in my system that re-mastered CDs have better resolution and spatial information (e.g., 2003 Rhino "Fragile" by Yes) but seem sort of edgy and a little hard sounding. No such problem w/regular CDs or vinyl. I've been thinking about an equalizer to use for listening to only such recordings. Just tame the upper frequencies a little. Any suggestions? System is Cyber 800SE monoblocks, Consonance Ref 50 Preamp, David Schulte mod'd. Denon 2910, KAB mod'd Technics w/Heed Quasar Phono-pre. Acoustic treatments in use. Again, issue is with a minor segment of the listening I do.
ghosthouse
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Burn new CD-R from those CDs. You may find that helps.
Just copy your CDs on your computer and burn a CD-R of them
Trying just one to see if it helps takes only a few minutes.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
3,018 posts
 
Ghosthouse, I agree with u about the harshness of some remastered cds. Having worked in recording studios, some engineers overemphasize the the highs when trying to get more detail from the old masters. I'm still looking for a solution to play these cds on my system. Maybe a good DAC is the way to go as Swanny76109 suggested.
branislav
351 posts
 
Why not just get the original version, if available?
larry_s
128 posts
 
Many remastered CDs are just louder. If highs are really "redone" to be emphasized and you hear them, then don't listen to the remaster, stick with the old. If a different DAC makes them go away, then it's not a very good DAC is it? At least from the standpoint of reproducing what's on the disc. Before going off the deep end, try a dB level matched blind test between the two versions and see what's what.

Also, room reflections do not help in this regard and it may have nothing to do with a remastered album. Maybe that's where some effort is needed?
sabai
2,027 posts
 
Lowrider57,
In my system, I have found that cleaning the AC takes the harshness away. When "the AC problem" is dealt with the edge comes off those too-bright CDs.
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