2 Channel system sounds weak and lackluster


Hi

For starters let me go into my system. I have a 13x11x8 dedicated room (no room treatment at the moment and vinyl floor). Speakers are Focal Aria 936 driven by an Audio Research DSi200. Vinyl is Rega P6 with Exact through Whest TWO.2 phono and CD is PSAudio Perfectwave Transport and DAC. Each component is powered by and interconnected with Audioquest cables.

 

I have moved the speakers in many different positions and found close to the wall gives them the best sound, but no matter what I do they sound lifeless and have no real impact to the sound. Cranking the volume up helps to some degree but there isn't any intensity to the sound and just leaves me frustrated and wanting more.  The speakers are positioned on the 11' wall, though I haven't moved them to the 13' to see if the different angle changes much.

I also changed out the speakers last night with my Wharfedale Denton speakers and they were even more dull and lifeless.

End game for the room is to tear it down to the studs, sound deaden the walls and put carpet in, but other projects are more pressing at the moment. For now I just want to be able to listen to and enjoy my music.

 

Thanks all

boxboy83
Post removed 

I forgot to mention something important.  If you're going to spend your hard earned money on finishing your room with rugs, drapes or whatever, use natural fibers.  Synthetic fibers like polyester, rayon etc. will help but they are still reflective.  You will get much, much better results with natural fibers like wool, cotton etc. Good luck!

get your speakers away from the walls.....

Yup.  Almost always a good idea unless specifically designed otherwise.

Once they sound best away from walls, then add a sub if needed.  That's a good formula in general.