can a new amp amp tame my speakers?


Just spent some time listening to what I've been planning to upgrade to for main speakers. PSB Synchronys. The Imagine T2's are close, but slightly veiled in comparison. My current, but old, Infinity Kappa 7's really don't give much away to the PSB's. My amp is an old Yamaha MX2, 125wpc, and I've heard them described as bright or harsh, and that's the only complaint I really have with the sound now. Can a well-chosen amp tame the highs on the Kappa'a, which use a ribbon-style tweeter? Or is the 'taming' I seek only going to happen with a speaker upgrade. I honestly don't mind upgrading the speakers, and fully expected to, but after today's auditioning, I'm wondering if I'm going to get that much benefit from that level of investment. $3500+ is a healthy chunk of coin for benefits of slimmer profile and tamed highs. In terms of imaging, weight, and bass, the Kappa's are equal, imo. The system is also the theater, but the avr can power the surrounds, so an amp upgrade could be 2 channel. A power boost is a must too, as the current 125wpc isn't enough for when wifey's not home and the volume gets wound up ;)
english210
@ english210,psb's thats funny!,I respect your infinitys way more than those 2 dimensional sounding speakers any day!,your speakers are capable of alot with the right equipment that is very exspensive!cheers!
Well, it just keeps getting better. Sound stage focusing up nicely, sub is turned off for two channel, and the bass output is amazing. I am still stunned at the difference the amp made.

But...there's always a but...the extreme highs are still too much, and not accurate. Most noticeable on piano notes for me. There's a shrill-tinniness that I can only ascribe to the ribbons-style tweeters (or to my ears).

Audiolabyrinth, I am somewhat surpised to hear that, since the PSB's sounded great to me. I am also thinking that the environment they were in at the store (large open room, no boundaries to the side) would make them sound worse than in my 'real life sized' 12X19X8 room. As I've said before, and hence my quandary, the Infinity's don't give much away to the PSB's (except as the differences in room would effect the PSB's), but they don't sound as good. It's just that I don't hear $3500 difference in price, so it's a hard leap to make.

I may try the tissue-over-the-tweeter trick I read about here and elsewhere. But I would be open to other recommendations, either of speaker upgrade or other tricks-n-tips. There's no doubt the Odyssey is bringing out the best in the Kappa's, but they are hardly the last word in sound. Given that I like the sound of the PSB's, and the size works aesthetically, bass extension isn't critical since I do have a sub, and $$ aren't unlimitted, what do you all think???

Thanks
It sounds like you want new speakers. Don't expect any of us to stop you. ;)

If anyone is going to be of help, we need to know what source, and cabling you are using. Your current problem can possibly be solved with a preamp, cabling, or source, but maybe you need new speakers to start with???

Sometimes ones dissatisfaction is in the recordings themselves and not necessarily with the playback system.
@ English210,The problem you described can be fixed for sure with cables!thats were I would start,please do not go chaseing the cat by the tail by mixing different cables,I have friends on the gon that do that,seems they are never satiesfied with their sound!,I do not believe you need other speakers,I agree with acman3 with what he said,but with the exception of keeping the speakers you have,It appears on the most part that the aquaired amp you just got is working out good for you,excellent!,cables useally become an issue when we change a componet,the synergy has to be matched,their are plenty of cables that will fix the ribbons sound that you have,If you want a basis for recommendations for cables,and your desired pricepoint,let me know,cheers!