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Does Steely Dan sound bright to you?

This is going to sound like a somewhat random question but I’m wondering how many of you find Steely Dan’s recordings to sound a bit bright. I’m particularly thinking of Gaucho, and Aja but some other recent recordings, too, such as Fagen’s Nightfly.

My typical media include streaming (CD and HD quality) and CD’s. I have not played my old vinyl because I’m presently without a turntable.

At first I thought it was my system and it was driving me a little bit mental; eventually, I decided it wasn't my stuff, it was their stuff. Because most other recordings on the same system with no other changes don’t typically have the brightness of Steely Dan.

Whether or not you’re a fan (I am) Steely Dan has often been a go-to for testing out equipment, so I imagine there will be experiences people have had about this.

P.S. Any other recordings which, for you are unnaturally bright?


128x128hilde45

Showing 1 response by hodu

hodu
312 posts
 
I recall a similar question on Audiogon some -- many? -- years back, and remember a beautiful wiseacre answer that went something like this: Well, they are called "Steely Dan," not "Bass-Heavy Dan." Or words to that effect. Did a quick search but couldn't find the original, which was much more well-phrased than what I just added here.

That silliness aside, I listen to something by this band, and by Fagen, often still, on vinyl, and don't find them bright on my (admittedly mid-fi) system.

-- Howard

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