This is my first system and sounds nice but sometimes bright on certain recordings and perfect on others. I HEAR HISS ON SOME RECORDINGS DURING SOFT PASSAGES. i WOULD APPRECIATE ANY ADVICE ON WERE TO START UPGRADING FROM HERE?
I have B&W Matrix 804's and I know how sensitive they are to preamp and cables. Definitely listen to the above comments (I recently moved and even moving my couch one inch changed the sound of my system!). Also, wit B&W speakers, height can matter greatly...you might find until you get a better preamp-amp separate combo raising the speakers somehow ( I do it with 12X12X2 bricks and EZ-tack). This rolls off the highs and actually improves the soundstage. If all else fails, try out the Benchmark DAC1. It's a great DAC that is not bright but accurate. I have a feeling like the audiophiles above that it is your room and speaker placement. Play with moving your speakers around and changing their hight then write back to us!
Listen to Paul, he's right. Also, PBJs are a bit bright, if you like Kimber, the Hero is quieter and much more refined. Rotel may also be a bit bright. IF the Rotel is an integrated with preamp out/power in and bridged with those nasty pins, then replace them with decent RCA jumpers and the difference will astound you.
Before you get the upgrade bug, consider this. The brightness you hear on some recordings is probably due to the quality of the recording itself. In additon, the hiss you hear on some of the other recordings is due to that recording's analog tape hiss (check the CD label to see what it was mastered from) that was translated to the CD. Finally, the placement of your speakers and the room itself are of significent importance to the sound of your equipment (i.e. a lively room, bare floors, and few pieces of furniture will usually result in a brighter sound. Bookselves filled with different shaped books, pillows, soft furniture, and throw rugs,etc in addition to sound treatment products could be the cure for that.Check on all of these first, before you spend your money, only to find that nothing has changed.
