Just a bit to bright


Hello,
I've been listening to my entry level system for almost a year now and while overall I am happy with the sound quality, it sounds just a bit too bright at times. My components are an NAD 326BEE integrated amp, Onkyo C7030 CD player, Sonos Connect for streaming Spotify, and Speaker Design Works MiniStatements speakers.(DIY)
http://speakerdesignworks.com/MiniStatements.html

I have not noticed any significant difference between CDs or streaming music sources so I feel like if I wanted to find a sound that is not as bright, I need to consider changes at the integrated amplifier. Since I built my speakers and feel proud of them and their sound, at this point I'd like to try and find the sound I'm looking for with these speakers. I do understand, it is possible that someday.... they may become a component that needs to be changed.

So my thoughts are, try a different integrated amp, try a different amp and use the NAD as a preamp, find a preamp and use the NAD for an amp, or try a class d audio amp... claiming to have a warm tube like sound.

My question is do I just need to jump in and try one of the above?

Which component (not the speakers) would likely have the biggest impact on a system that is a bit too bright?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Jeff
jfmerk
Very good advice above, particularly from Kiddman nad Grannyring. Given that the speaker is something of an unknown element, it is a prime suspect. Also, different model speakers vary much more in sonic characteristic than do any electronic component. You should check it out by making direct comparisons with other speakers. If the problem IS with the speaker you should really consider dealing with the problem by either replacing the speaker or modifying the speaker before considering chasing compensating with other component choices.

Any extreme effort to compensate for a fundamental imbalance of flaw in one component by choice of other components will be a big waste of money and is not likely to work. Components may subtlely complement each other, but, they cannot correct for weaknesses of others.

It is understandable that you have a fondness for the speaker you constructed. That is why Grannyring's suggested crossover upgrade is a good first attempt at curing a problem if it turns out that the speaker is the primary source of the problem. This is a not too terribly expensive approach and you can go back to the original components if the modification makes matters worse.

Before doing anything at all that involves spending money, try changing speaker placement or moving the listening chair. Tonal balance can be changed quite radically by placement changes and there are infinite choices one can experiment with. With most speakers, the easiest way to change upper frequency balance is to alter toe-in of the speaker and the backwards tilt of the speaker. You could also try some simple room treatments to tame excess reflection of higher frequencies (e.g., put up tapestries on the walls).

Good luck.
"Sometimes it's just the recording."

Yes indeed.

IT's useful to get a metric/rough idea on what % of recordings sound bright, and which ones are brightest.

Ideally only a minority should come across as bright. Then you go from there to try and make the % smaller if needed or not.

If its a small % that come across as bright, that may be normal. If many, a majority, or all, then there is clear room for improvement most likely.
Lots of poor to average recordings and that cannot be avoided. The mod with the Jupiter caps will also help those. Yes, play with toe-in as well as sound absorption panels at the first reflection point.
Thank you for all the replies!
Lots of great food for thought which is exactly what I was hoping to find here.....
A couple small bits of information:
My speaker cables are 10 gauge, 462 strand OFC
Interconnects are AudioQuest G-Snake
My speaker sensitivity runs about 85 dB (@2.83V), if you adjust for a 4 ohm load they're around 83dB (@2V)... Based on my test results using the 1 watt, 1 meter distance standard.

I have a few friends that would likely allow me to try an amp or place my speakers into their system and look for the brightness to remain or disappear or...

With regard to toe-in, my speakers are designed with a mid transmission line/pass through.... The mid-range driver has an open tunnel to the back of the cabinet. They should be placed 18" inches from the back wall and with straight ahead positioning. They really do offer great imaging with vocals in particular.

I'm really intrigued with the idea of swapping out some of the Dayton components! I built the crossover boards in a way that provides easy access and removal, so Grannyring, I may take you up on your offer of help.

I've also been exploring an amp by Class D Audio. Reviews state it has a very warm tube like sound. With 250W @ 4 ohms I suspect it would drive my speakers well. But... I won't be pulling the trigger anytime soon. I've got homework to do.

Patience. I've put my wallet away and will continue exploring the simple and inexpensive adjustments.

Thanks everyone!

Jeff