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

@boxboy83 A few more thoughts FWIW:  I don't know what Focal recommends for positioning those speakers.  However, I think positioning them (system too? - same cable lengths?) at the long wall was definitely a good decision in a room with those dimensions.  I'm not familiar with your amp but I am familiar with your TT & cart (on my short list when I bought my new TT).  I sincerely doubt the weak link you're looking for is system or component related, especially since you thought everything sounded good at your previous abode.  Rega is a proponent of low mass design.  As such, more than most other TTs in that class/price point, they need rock solid support.  Hopefully, your rack or whatever you have your components on provides that support.  Is the fidelity shortfall across the board or just related to vinyl?  If vinyl only, then I would ask myself how much mileage does the Exact cart have on it?  Are your records clean?  Do you use stylus cleaner?  Have you checked TT calibration settings since your last move?  A well-maintained Exact cart in a well-maintained system using clean vinyl should provide at least 500 hours of solid play.

What kind of AudioQuest speaker cables and other interconnects are you using?  Any chance any of them got squashed or seriously compressed when you were moving?  If so, you might want to check continuity.  Last thought, what kind of connectors are you using with the speakers?  Banana plugs?  Spades?  Might want to check those, as well.

Good Luck!        

@boxboy83 Almost forgot!  Did your speakers come with bungs?  If so, you might want to experiment with that, too.

Your room is excessively bright.  Lack of treatment, and highly reflective surfaces will emphasize the mid-treble. 

You like it close to the wall because that’s where you get the most bass reinforcements.

Adding bass is not a great idea here because you still will lack the clarity in the midrange and treble of a better room. 

Placement wise the best you can do is pull the speakers from the side walls and point the tweeters in about 45 degrees, even if they cross in front of your head.  Keep them pointing away from those side walls.