NEED ADVICE… for bright harsh sounding records

[A Montreal]

Well well… Wouldn’t you know it. I just watched the 1972 Bogdanovich film “What’s Up, Doc?” and guess what… it was damn bright. Had to EQ it to high heaven… or rather to low-mid heaven. Me thinks it’s time to address that amp/speaker/room scenario. But before I do, I am going to rest my mind for a good while.

Thanks for all the lovely input. It’s been greatly appreciated. I’ll be back with a full report in a month or two… Will give my ears a break first. Hope the moderator doesn’t close this chat in the meantime. Do they do that here?

 

[Old Guy8]

Your thread will stay open, as long as there aren't any nasty arguments.

I have a 3B NRB with BP20 preamp. Yes the 3B is on bright side.

I have a MP200 on a Linn. Nice warm detailed cart. Depending on system.

I have Ear834 clone tube phono preamps which add warmth. But fixed 48dbs gain. Not adjustable.

I have a Grado Blue and Grado ME+ mono Carts on identical headshells. I switch between on a different table. Luckily they are identical weight and tracking force. Takes just a minute.

Would it be easier to just add a second turntable/cart/phono preamp? For the few records you say are too bright. Instead of messing with your SME tonearm between carts.

I use a couple Loki equalizers. They have a bypass switch. Which is convenient. Easiest solution if it works for you.

Or, find a pair of warmer speakers. Have two sets of speakers in same room.

Enjoy your quest.

 

[Sgt Shultz]

I again comeback to this post. You hit it on the nail. I did some testing last night and indeed, the combo of Bryston and metal tweeter of the DM640 is wild. I replaced the Bryston 3B (the older black ones) with the power amp of my Rotel integrated amp and boom, the top end mellowed out in a serious and enjoyable way. Unfortunately the lower-mids are not as well defined and there is less oomph. To be expected I guess. So now… I either get speakers with a mellower tweeter (Wharfedale perhaps?) or a mellower power amp (no idea).

Any good pairing suggestions for someone who likes a mellow top but with lots of definition? Bryston 3B with…? Or B&W DM640 with…?

Thanks.

I have a number of amps, my favorite is the Belles Model I, I now have three. Only 100watts/channel into 8ohms, I hear 185 into 4ohms and no reason to doubt it, with enough current to pull a freight train.

It's simplistic topology just lets the music sing.






Items added for size reference

David Belles is a highly respected amp designer and still does under the Power Modules name if wanting new, a bit pricey. I've paid no more than $400 for any of my three all through eBay.