Technical assistance and recommendations needed

Speaker grills detract from the overall sound to my old ears. Looks like I gotta replace the speakers, for something detailed with body for around 2 grand+-.

I do have to look into upgrading the interconnects to see what they may bring to the table. LOL I can see how this all plays out.

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First, don’t listen to kenjit. The Technics SU-G700 is not a Class D amp in the sense that others are defined by that. It’s a true digital amp. Besides, my former Class A/B integrated was a Marantz Reference PS15 S2 and it was way more brighter than the Technics. I have the M2 version of that integrated and it’s a beautiful sounding amp when partnered with the right speakers.

Second, don’t listen to kenjit as no two ICs sound the same. He’s just in this for the trolling measurements and not the resultant sound. If you can swing it, try some entry level Darwin Cables.

Third, don’t listen to kenjt about retuning your speakers. HIs facts exist in a space that only occurs between his ears. It seems to be your speakers and nothing can really be done to cure/tame that edge your hearing short of getting a different pair of speakers. I was in the same boat and thought nothing would work until I landed on a set of speakers that actually cured the edge yet had more air, detail, ambience, etc.

You’re not going to like this but if you can part with your Cantons and retain 70% of their value when new, get a pair of Revival Audio Atalante 3 monitors, pocket the savings, and call it a day. It’s what I did.

All the best,
Nonoise

I've read the technics SUG700 is a very good integrated but I've not heard anybody describe that as warm sounding, more light and lean. I'd try auditioning a different integrated amp before giving up on your speakers. I've not used that particular amp but I've used amps with similar pure digital circuitry before and I'd describe them as thinner, leaner sounding than a more traditional Class a/b or even good class D amps that work with analog input. I'd bet a different amp might warm things up enough for you. When I switched from pure digital to an analog input class D, the perceived difference in lower midrange upper bass was profound. The image that comes to mind is light molasses pouring from a bottle compared to carbonated water. Like you, I was unable to fully change the character of the amp's sound with EQ. This is a fascinating topic to me because I don't know why the EQ doesn't seem to work. There might be a way to EQ them warmer but it seems consistent that these kind of amps tend to have a lighter, leaner sound. 

@nonoise

Interesting. I haven’t heard the SUG700 described as bright, but definitely not warm. Thin and light is what I read from various reviews and it matched closely with my impression of earlier, similar amps made by the same parent company. Really beautiful in their own way but not particularly warm. The class D amp I switched to was so warm in comparison it was almost too much. In any case, you do agree that these amps could make a difference. I’ve never heard this particular speaker he’s using, let alone tried it with various amps, so you could be right - the speaker is hopeless.

@asctim 

I find the Technics to be anything but thin and light in its presentation. In fact, it errs ever so on the warm side. Pairing it with the right speakers makes a big difference. It's also is bold and rich sounding with great insight into a recording. One Absolute Sound reviewer on YouTube said it's a taste of the ultra high end at 1/10th the price just for its resolving capabilities. 

My old JBL 4319s had Al/Mag tweeter and midrange and no matter the amp, they could wear on you. The sound was big and bold but it was those drivers that took their toll. 

All the best,
Nonoise