Save my ears!!!

[vito]

I use CDP Cambridge Audio 540C, Rotel 971 amp and B&W DM603 S2 speakers.
When I initially auditioned this set up - I was amazed. I could hear things I never did: sound was crystal clear, every instrument sounded live and I was immerged into music. I was thrilled and excited. But after a while I found that I can't listen for a long time. It's like If it's too crisp and clear, my ears would get tired after 15-20 minutes.
I took my CA cdp to several local dealers and compared it with others, like Rotel RCD1072 and used SONY 777ES and as much as they wanted to sell their stuff, they were amazed how 540c sounded. It was hard to tell the difference even on their HI-END equipment. May be Sony sounded little less forward then 540c on mid high range, but that was 5% difference and if you listen very carefully.
I listen mostly to jazz and instrumental music featuring soprano sax and clarinet (that's what I play), acoustic guitar, brass bands, accordion and some vocal groups.
My question is, should I try another amp like Marantz PM7200 that has reviews that make me believe would help smooth the sound. Or should I try different speakers, though I like B&W's. In any way, I don't want to make it expensive decision and would be fine even with getting used gear in the same price bracket. Or should I try completely different CDP. My cousin uses Marantz CDP and amp with his B&W DM602 and jazz sounds very nice.

[jim777]

Welcome to the club!! :later:

The problem is not with the speakers for sure. I don't know the Rotel and the Cambridge so I don't know which one isn't "ok".

The difference between CD players is often more subtle than a quick A/B test will say - but listener fatigue is one of differences between them. It can take an hour listen for that to show up.

And it could be the amp. Some of the Rotel's I've heard sound harsh to my ears.

Maybe bring your CDP to your cousin's and listen an hour to see if you get tired - I think it would be a worthy test.

[DM3000 Owner]

I use CDP Cambridge Audio 540C, Rotel 971 amp and B&W DM603 S2 speakers.
When I initially auditioned this set up - I was amazed. I could hear things I never did: sound was crystal clear, every instrument sounded live and I was immerged into music. I was thrilled and excited. But after a while I found that I can't listen for a long time. It's like If it's too crisp and clear, my ears would get tired after 15-20 minutes.
I took my CA cdp to several local dealers and compared it with others, like Rotel RCD1072 and used SONY 777ES and as much as they wanted to sell their stuff, they were amazed how 540c sounded. It was hard to tell the difference even on their HI-END equipment. May be Sony sounded little less forward then 540c on mid high range, but that was 5% difference and if you listen very carefully.
I listen mostly to jazz and instrumental music featuring soprano sax and clarinet (that's what I play), acoustic guitar, brass bands, accordion and some vocal groups.
My question is, should I try another amp like Marantz PM7200 that has reviews that make me believe would help smooth the sound. Or should I try different speakers, though I like B&W's. In any way, I don't want to make it expensive decision and would be fine even with getting used gear in the same price bracket. Or should I try completely different CDP. My cousin uses Marantz CDP and amp with his B&W DM602 and jazz sounds very nice.

I have played with horns for years and they can be really harsh at times if teh audio chain is not up to par. But, if you get them dialed in, they are smooth as can be. I doubt that you speakers are at fault. I have heard mnay who are happy with the Cambridge 640 (??) and horns. I am not familiar with the rest of your equipemnt.

If you change CD players, I have an Upsampled AH! Njoe with Amperex PQ white labels. Very nice player. When upsampled, everything sounds good. I use a Benchmark DAC1 for good recordings and the AH for the poor stuff. That is not saying that the AH is not good for good recordings. It just depends on my mood.

If you buy and AH on Audiogon, make sure you get a pair of the 6H23 "Russian Rocket" tubes (abotu $15 each). They will improve bass dramitically.

Good luck.

Chris

[Ade]

My question is, should I try another amp like Marantz PM7200 that has reviews that make me believe would help smooth the sound. Or should I try different speakers, though I like B&W's. In any way, I don't want to make it expensive decision and would be fine even with getting used gear in the same price bracket. Or should I try completely different CDP. My cousin uses Marantz CDP and amp with his B&W DM602 and jazz sounds very nice.

You left out one option in the poll - change your room.

The experts all agree that the majority of the sound you hear (90% and more) is dictated by the speakers and room acoustics. After that it is probably the quality of the material you play and how well it has been mastered, and lastly the electronics.

Take a read of the following audioholics article on taming brightness - I hope it helps.

http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/...loudspeake.php

[jim777]

I agree on that last one. We often forget the room because it is never specified in questions. Do you have large windows? hard floors? etc.. if so try a carpet in the middle of the room, curtains, etc.

And have fun

[Stevebez]

You left out one option in the poll - change your room.

The experts all agree that the majority of the sound you hear (90% and more) is dictated by the speakers and room acoustics. After that it is probably the quality of the material you play and how well it has been mastered, and lastly the electronics.

Take a read of the following audioholics article on taming brightness - I hope it helps.

http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/...loudspeake.php

Hear! hear !

[adinfinitum]

Vito,

I've heard the Cambridge Audio CDP into B&W 602 and 603 recently, on two different amps - Rotel 1070 pre/power and MFx-pre/x-200 pwer. On both occasions, they sounded if anything, more warm than bright. The MF was much warmer than the Rotel combo but I doubt it is your CDP or speakers. Rotel are generally quite bright. I haven't actually heard the 971 integrated but I suspect this is your problem - barring of course the above comments about the room treatments that are also very possible.