Eliminating Digital Thinness of Tone--Which Electronics?

[Steady339]

Originally Posted by Alberto

Have you experimented with preamps with tone controls or with equalizers? Do they help with the thinness you describe?

Alberto

Alberto, Sorry for the late reply on this question. Back in the mid-1980s I had a PS Audio IV preamp that had an active/passive switch. I felt the tone from the active transistorized section sounded too bright and unlistenable with my system (IRS 2 speakers and Hafler P3000 power amp), but the passive section really sounded quite good--rounded and warm--so I always listened with the preamp in the passive mode.

But in those days it was mainly TT that I listened to and enjoyed because digital CDs did not sound quite right in my system and this was the general complaint from other audiophile too.

Again, thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge with us here at AA--your posts are enjoyable and interesting reads!

Roger

[Mr_Sukebe]

I believe I understand where the OP is coming from, and also find a high number of systems to be very dry and on some tracks positively "uncomfortable" with digital sources.
I recently heard a Wadia fronted system with a Modright tube pre running into a Krell power amp and Wilson speakers. Sounded delicious, which I think is a great argument for introducing some tubes in the chain.

Personally I've gone down the route of using Meridian source equipment, which IMO are fairly "laid back" in their presentation styles when compared to most and works very synergistically with my fairly forward horn loaded speakers.