I know exactly what you are trying to say! I felt the same way after i purchased my SR-5.
In fact, got myself all in a huff and made a jerk of myself on this forum!
Yes, the stringray will sound really bright at first and will overwhelm you until you learn how to control it.
Play and keep playing the instrument. Adjust the amp eq and the onboard eq. The more you play a Ray the better the feel!
I now am totally satisfied with my SR-5. One great instrument!!!
I've owned 2 Ray's and now a Bongo, and nothing but nothing compares to the heavy bass bottom of a Bongo. Thick, round, full, with punch and plenty of clarity.......I've never, ever heard a truly heavy-bass sound from a Stingray. The Bongo is one of the only modern basses I've ever heard that could go there.
I mean, it's a BASS, for god's sake!