Fooked potentiometer

[struth]

maybe its the musical style thats tiring you instead of the equipment. i know nowadays as much of a rock head i was when younger, it(rock) does tire me quite quickly now. other musical styles will no doubt do the same i guess

[Mikeandvan]

Ive read this thread with a little interest [oops that could be read as no interest !]. Ok, so my feeling is having heard a number of sugden amps over the years is that they sound full and rich but will allow the tonality of the source equipment to shine through. I'm not a fan of the 1200 and was not blown away by the meridian, both edging towards bright and forward. So I'm asking the question could it be your sources that are the issue soundwise rather than the amp thats just playing the signal it being passed? Two of the very best sounding systems Ive heard in homes have both used the sugden a21, one with big monitor audios model escapes me and the other with quad esl 63. So in good fettle an a21 should be a clear "window" for the source.

I think it's complete bollocks that so and so turntable sounds a certain way, it's entirely dependent on what cartridge is on it. The G08 may be bright, I don't know, wouldn't mind trying one of the older Meridians, only you know, reliability is an issue with the older players.

[Mikeandvan]

maybe its the musical style thats tiring you instead of the equipment. i know nowadays as much of a rock head i was when younger, it(rock) does tire me quite quickly now. other musical styles will no doubt do the same i guess

That confines me to solo gutair!

[AJSki2fly]

I think it's complete bollocks that so and so turntable sounds a certain way, it's entirely dependent on what cartridge is on it. The G08 may be bright, I don't know, wouldn't mind trying one of the older Meridians, only you know, reliability is an issue with the older players.

You're view is correct in some aspects Mike, the cartridge and the Phono stage used to the amplifier(s) has a very big impact on the end result, however as I have found out through various TTs they can and do have a part to play in the output in terms of sound, bass is the most obvious, a light weight platter will result less bass depth and control whereas a higher-mass one will be better, also more blackness I have found, depth to dynamic range. TTs with arms that are not adjustable can be an issue, VTA can be compromise, too high and it will sound bright and too low and it will become boomy.

As for your Meridian G08 it is known to be smooth and controlled not emphasising any aspect of the music, basically a very good CDP, so this is very unlikely to be causing your issues.

[Macca]

As for your Meridian G08 it is known to be smooth and controlled not emphasising any aspect of the music, basically a very good CDP, so this is very unlikely to be causing your issues.

I would say the chance is as close to zero as you can get.

[Mikeandvan]

Thinking slightly smaller speakers might help. My listening/living room isn't that big at all.

[Macca]

Thinking slightly smaller speakers might help. My listening/living room isn't that big at all.

I think you just need some speakers which are a lot better than the ones you've been buying. You're drinking beer but your taste is for champagne.

[Lawrence001]

To be fair those Audio Notes were supposed to be good (you tried a pair didn't you?). And I've got good results from relatively budget speakers before with good (but not high end) equipment.

There's definitely something going on but I do wonder if it's your hearing/taste and mid/treble sensitivity.

[AJSki2fly]

What are the room dimensions Mike, I know of some speakers currently for sale(not mine) that might work well and as Martin says and I confer the speakers are one of the most important bits.

The Sugden a21 amp is a very good amp and is known for its smooth sound and no review highlight top end harshness, I know the Audio Innovations S500 very well having had two of them and at the price point are a favourite of mine and one I would consider returning to a review I came across "Transparent, musical and very untiring to listen to. Very critical of source components but will sound louder than 25W" I would second.

I do not know the Proacs you have but note this review comment "The Studio 140 does an excellent job illuminating high percussion information. The microdynamics and transient speed elicited from the many delicate ticks and pings of the percussionist during Holly Cole’s “Train” on Temptation [Alert] flirted with some of best reproduction I’ve experienced with this disc. But on Sinatra’s Only the Lonely [Capitol], “Angel Eyes” had a bit of edge where the Studio 140 adds some extra mid-treble sparkle." see https://www.theabsolutesound.com/art...0-loudspeaker/ Its likely reviewer speak for saying they can be bright without actually saying so.

So my thought are in line with Martin, its likely the speakers are the issue, especially if you are top end sensitive.

[Macca]

To be fair those Audio Notes were supposed to be good (you tried a pair didn't you?)

Audio Note speakers always astonish me with their odd sound. They measure poorly with FR all over the shop. Yes, some swear by them, but there is no doubt that their presentation of some musical programme will be - and I'm being charitable here - unpredictable.