Quest for Audiophile Zen

1st check out if your power amplifier can be used with passive preamp.
Power amp shoud have high gain and high sencitivity.
CD player have to swing with ~3V output voltage for ideal case and input sencitivity of your amp shoud be ~0.6V
Also check input impedance of your power amp. It has to be at least 47kOhm.

I've found that in making choices for my system, the sound tended toward being too bright unless I deliberatly chose components or cabling for their warmth. For example, I'm using Stealth CWS interconnects (similar to yours and pretty much neutral, which means they do nothing to attenuate bright, harsh sound), but I'm also using Stealth PC speaker cables, which are warmer-sounding than many silver speaker cables. I'd guess too that for those of us who like the dynamics of active preamps, your evs passive (splendid and accurate as it is) might sound bright. Before I spent big $, I'd probably try an inexpensive preamp--maybe just use the preamp section of an old receiver. I'd also try using some cheap cables, which probably would have a weak high-frequency response, just to get an idea how much the cabling contributes to the problem. Best wishes.

I will take a stab as well. First and foremost, I would suggest you audition some other Interconnects and Speaker Wire. Silver is great when used in the right system. In most cases it will add brightness and a general hardness to most pure solid state systems. I also agree with MCNE and suggest you try some room treatments.

I use a large decorative rug which I have mounted on my main wall in my listening room behind my speakers. This not only improved imaging but also removed any glare from in the treble I had ever witnessed. My 2 cents for what it is worth. Good Luck and Good Listening!

Chris

I would check with Ric Schultz at EVS for any recommendations he may have. I have experienced much of what you are experiencing but am not sure the fixes I have found would prove effective in your system. I am using speakers with metal cone drivers and suspect that they contribute to the brightness I have mostly tamed. Ric endorses cables manufactured by Zcable. I am using Zcable "Thunder" power cords and could not be more pleased. I also am using the Zcable "Live" interconnect. I can now listen for hours on end without fatigue. Another product that has helped are Acme Audio Power outlets. Feel free to contact me if you think I can be of any assistance.

I had an awefully bright system with Thiel 1.5s. Two things did the trick and a third is on it's way. 1) Like Mcne said, try repositioning your speakers and avoid toe-in. 2) Try MIT MH-750 speaker wire and MI-330 interconnects. The newer MIT interconnects are impedance matched to your amp. Your's wasn't on the list but I'm sure contacting MIT will get you the right match. Thiels seem to really like networked cables. 3) I'm getting a set of Sound Anchors stands. You don't want the aluminum tweeter pointing right at your ears. With the 1.5s the stands will lift the tweeter about a foot over my head in the listening position. I anticipate this do work beautifully. Granted the 3.6s are a good deal taller than the 1.5s but it maybe the case.

I don't want to sound like I'm knocking the Thiels. They'll just bring out the worst in a system that doesn't "gel" with them. The MIT cabling and repositioning already has the brightness 90% tamed for me. The Thiels are also very position sensitive. Even a half inch change can bring noticably different sound.

Hope this helps. leo.