Voices too loud...

[JayGee]

Hi Gang,

With certain pop vocal material (like Van Morrison) my system's reproduction of voices seems too loud and forward and kind of bright...which is causing listening fatigue.

I'm currently using Senn 600 and 650 phones with a Headroom Cosmic amp. The amp has the large optional power supply. Source is the Rotel 971 CDP.

I've tried several other CD players in this system with similar results. I know the Senns are generally regarded as being laid back in the mids and I'm wondering if a change in amp may be in order.

I'm wondering if other have had this problem...Any suggestions?

 

[Kirosia]

Have you tried lowering the volume?


Also, is it on every album, or just certain ones? Many cds nowadays have boosts in treble and stuff, so kids can fry their ears on their stock walkman phones,

 

[JayGee]

Hi Kirosia,
I'm mostly listening at a low to medium volume. I'd like to be able to listen a bit louder.

I know what you mean about the recordings being a bit suspect in balance but I would like to get better results than I'm getting.

The dynamics of my system seem more alive in the midrange compared to the treble and bass. Treble brightness is not really a problem.

The midrange sounds a bit cold and seems have a "hardness" or glare and that is where the fatigue comes in. This is mostly on voices but some instruments too like Miles Davis's trumpet.

I've experimented with source components and headphones but my experience with headphone amps is limited. I like the dynamics of this set up but need a more mellow or forgiving sound in the mids.

I'm hoping some other listeners may have some experience with this issue and can suggest possible cures.......

 

[Jeff Wong]

Have you considered op amp rolling? I'm not sure what op amps are used in the Cosmic - I wonder if you might get results that are more pleasing to your ears with a different op amp. You might even try that in the Rotel as well.

 

[binary_digit]

Hmm,

Whats the output chip on the amp?

Larry

 

[SiBurning]

That seems to be my impression of the HeadRoom sound. Specifically, the MicroDAC seems to be a bit shy in the 200-500 range which makes the sounds above them feel a bit forward.