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?


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Steely Dan’s "Aja" has always been my reference while listening to vinyl. In fact, I even enjoy the CD version. Is it too bright? Who cares, I love the SD sound. Donald Fagen’s "The Nightfly" is also a favorite.
Always felt some music sounds bright and have tried to taylor my choice of components to minimize this. Aja does sound on the bright side to me, but still sounds amazing, dynamic, and detailef and still gives goose bumps.