[cpetrillo]

Ok, definitely system synergy was the problem. I just switched in an A&S Kenzie Encore tube amp and I am in heaven! Midrange and bass have come forward without sacrificing detail or high frequency. This is just what I was looking for. I got the Encore used with a lifetime worth of input and power tubes to try out and I’m only on the first set!

 

[chesebert]

I have put together a headphone system for listening at night. It is detailed and sounds good in many ways particularly with excellent recordings but is just too bright with a lot of music. I am a little lost as to where to start making changes and could use some help.

Source is quobuz and local flac files played through Audirvana on a M1 Mac mini. USB out to my benchmark dac2. Balanced out to Audio gd amp 1. Balanced out to lcdx 2021 version. All cables are good quality name brand stuff but I do use a 10 ft extension cable with the headphones.

There is good bass and the highs are detailed and sweet but the mids are recessed and lacking body which makes the overall sound a bit too bright and light weight with too much of the music I like to listen to.

I don’t want to just start throwing money at it and changing everything without some direction so I’m hoping for some suggestions on where to start.

I would suggest you get rid of your amp and dac and buy a used mojo 1 to reset your auditory expectations and start over. The one thing mojo does well is it’s non offensive and approximates what a hi end sound should sound like. Once your ears have been rehabilitated you can figure out which aspects of sound reproduction you would like to improve and go from there.

 

[moriez]

Ok, definitely system synergy was the problem. I just switched in an A&S Kenzie Encore tube amp and I am in heaven! Midrange and bass have come forward without sacrificing detail or high frequency. This is just what I was looking for. I got the Encore used with a lifetime worth of input and power tubes to try out and I’m only on the first set!

Bold move! What made you decide on the Kenzie?

 

[cpetrillo]

Bold move! What made you decide on the Kenzie?

Was actually an opportunity for a trade deal I couldn’t pass up. Did some research and decided to give it a try and I’m glad I did.