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 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.

@sns I'm surprised no one has mentioned AC,  quality of AC can vary widely, the fact you liked system in another room points to this.

I mentioned AC / power twice in this thread.  Still have yet to hear if OP tried my recommendations...