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advice on brightness

i just set up my first system and although the excitement hasn't worn off, i have become aware of a pronounced brightness and sibilance in the sound.

my set-up is very modest and any advice would be greatly appreciated.

-Audio Refinement Complete integrated

-Harmon Kardon dvd25 (not the best for CDs, but it does have a good DAC: Wolfson XWM8740 Delta Sigma 24-bit/192kHz, same one in Arcam CD82)

-Athena AS-B1 bookshelf speakers

-AudioQuest Type 4 speaker cables (terminated with bananas)

-Straigh Wire Symphony II interconnects

i'm hoping i can resolve the brightness with different interconnects. my budget is around $150.

thanks!

~derek
mrdereklee
mrdereklee OP
2 posts
 
thanks labtec,

i might try a friends' cable this weekend, but i don't plan on buying anything new...

maybe as you suggested, a few tweaks once i move it into a bigger room (thicker carpeting, thicker curtains).

i'll probably save my money for speaker stands too...(too bad they only sell sand in 50 lb bags though, i guess i'll be making a donation to the local children's playground after filling the stands).

for now i'll get a maple cutting board and vibrapods for my dvd player...

~derek
laurenceusa
10 posts
 
I would say that the biggest bang for the buck is going to be a good used CD player. My recommendation is a Rega Planet. It's very musical for the money, not harsh and bright like the HK. Get good components before looking for tweaks.
lemec5b2
67 posts
 
$150 a pair speakers will have siblance. Don't spend any money on any tweaks or cables until you replace them.

steve
bwyoung
143 posts
 
I am with those who suggest a used CD player.
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