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Stereo system Too Bright

I have a stereo that consists of a Marantz CD-63SE, an Adcom SLC-505 passive pre, an Adcom GFA-535II power amp, Axiom M40ti floorstanding speakers, Phoenix Gold $20 interconnects, and standard Monster speaker cable.

Lately I have really noticed that it sounds too bright. With some recordings, it seems like there are two tracks, one for the hi-hat and snare, and one for the rest of the music. cymbals always seem to come out over the top of the mix, to the point where it is bordering on unlistenable. At the very least it's extremely annoying.

I'm wondering how I can get rid of this problem. My preamp doesn't have a tone control, so I'm thinking that I'll probably have to go for other interconnects or maybe alter the speaker cabinets somehow (by stuffing them or something). I don't know how you would go about doing this, but it seems like about all I can do - there are only so many components that could be at fault. Does anyone know what my problem is? Hopefully these components aren't just totally mismatched...

I hope you guys can shed some light on this issue.

Thanks,
Chris
metonymy3
whatjd
615 posts
 
The op-amps in all inexpensive CD players..are the problem in many a system out there. Your system will sound like it's weakest link...and fifty cent op-amps are weak indeed...this is why Dan Wright, Mr. Kern and many other people make money doind mods to CD players.

Also, the Adcom stuff is a bit bright, but not to the extent to be the cause of what you are speaking of.
the_kid's avatar
the_kid
465 posts
 
Chris,

I have had your problem. Not to sound mean, but I would sell your system and start from scratch. In my younger years when I ran a high end store, all the Manufacturers woud run contests. I acually won an Adcom stack, (GFA-535, GFP-565,and a GCD-575) I was using a pair of Kefs back then and could never get the system to sound right. It was the earlier Adcom stuff's sonic signature which just make my ears bleed on any less than perfect recording.

I actually sold the pre-amp first then picked up a CJ PV-10A.. Wow! Things sounded a heck of a lot better. I then picked up a Sonographe (Lower end CJ amp) and things fell into place. What I would recommend you do is sell your passive controller, your amp, and your cd player and purchase a nice integrated amp and modern day CD player such as the Creek or even NAD depending on your budget. You can get some real deals on mint used gear here on AG.

Just my advice based on my experience, not trying to add insult to injury.

Good Luck!

Chris
tvad
9,467 posts
 
To echo Chris' comments, I'll share my encapsulated audiophile journey which began about a year and a half ago. I also believed my system to be "bright". Today, nothing of what I originally purchased remains in my system. The idea of selling it all and starting over may sound harsh...it certainly would have sounded that way to me 18 months ago, but the reality is that I eventually did sell it all and start over. The new system has been assembled with the assistance of extremely helpful and knowledgeable Audiogon members, and it sounds outstanding.
greh
129 posts
 
Chris,

Agree with many of the above posters: I also had the 63 for about 2 years. The player did some things good but overall-in a general sense-the sound was indeed bright You should start with your source(the 63) before monkeying around with cables.
Some other cdp's I've had in my system that may give you the sound you're looking for are the Rega Planet and the AhTjoeb-but please audition first.
Good Luck!
Greg
greg_in_okla
1 posts
 
I had a similar "brightness" problem in my system last year.At the time I had an HK 520 reciever,NAD 512 xd,and Mordaunt-Short MS908 speakers.On some CD's it was almost painfull.I tried various combinations of CD players, interconnects,speaker wires ,nothing really helped.getting kind of desperate,I tried a Rotel 1055 reciever for a weekend from a local shop.WOW...finally, CD's were listenable again,I figure the pre-amp section in the Rotel was just a lot better.After I got the Rotel,I rethought my whole setup,and ended up replaceing everything but the Mordaunt-Shorts.It is now pretty much all Rotel,and very listenable.My next project in room treatments

Just my experience

Greg
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