Bargain interconnects to tame treble & boost bass?

Without doubt, I think the Paul Speltz anti-cables and anti-ics will do the most for your system as they likely would for many systems far more expensive than your own. A fabulous speaker cable at $60 for a 6 ft. pair and $60 for a one meter pair of single-ended ics or $100 a pair for a 1m pair of XLRs (unless the prices have changed). The Speltz cables and ics are the second best cables I've owned and in my opinion are the audio deal of this century.

The Speltz scs and and especially the ics are warm, yet quite detailed and transparent as they absolutlely minimize the time-smear so often found in inexpensive and even expensive cables. The time-smear will come come across as a hash or grainy sound in the highs and an ill-defined and sloppy bass in the bottom end.

Even with the Speltz products, you're still not out of the woods as you make no mention of AC line conditioning or filtering to minimize the AC noise coming in from the pole. Until you've properly addressed this aspect, I don't think you'll ever get rid of the overly bright and weak bass and ultimately fatiguing sound. Not to mention a few other issues like negative sibilance, the bi-directional digital noise generated by your cdp infecting your other components, etc..

With these two areas properly addressed, you may actually be thrilled with the sonic capabilities of your present system. Never satisfied but always thrilled.

-IMO

Gmood1, I started the thread thinking the IC's might cure what ails my system. Now I'm going to try replacing the source first. But I will need a new pair of IC's because I'm keeping the Sony as a DVD player.

Tvad, Eldartford, and other EQ posters, thanks for your input, but now I'd like to focus the thread on advice on IC's.

Anyone else with recommendations for good IC's at $200/m or less, new or used?

Jpbach...It's your nickel. But remember that the Spectrum analyser feature of the DEQ2496 is way better than the Radio Shack SPL meter for evaluating the effectiveness of changes to your system/room. Consider its EQ capability as a bonus.

I'll bow out, Jpbach, but at some point when you have a minute, please explain why you don't want to consider EQ. I won't be offended. I'd just like to better understand your reasons.

FWIW, when I had the same problem as you are hearing, I tried the following ICs:
SignalCable
MAS Black
MAS Silver
Harmonic Technology Truthlink
Acoustic Zen Reference Silver
Acoustic Zen Matrix
Audience Au24
Kimber Select 1030
...and more

I heard differences in each cable change, but NONE of these solved the problem. The problem was only solved when I added an EQ, and later when I changed every single component to something better, addressed dirty power as Stenho suggests, and only then did I remove the EQ. It took a substantial investment of money and time.

Now, you may be very fortunate and solve your problem with interconnects. I hope you do, but these threads are full of audiophiles who have not solved their problem with wire alone.

EQ will solve your problem immediately. Without spending much dough.

OK. I'm getting off the box now.

Good luck.

Use it as a DAc for now. How much do you have to spend. Dont think wire till you have the best source you plan on having. Wires last.