Jean Luc,
Bring your speakers out further into the room. Two feet is too close. There are a lot of past threads and web sites that discuss this. Rives Audio is a good site to start with. When I looked at this, the most recommended place for tight bass seemed to be one-fifth of the way into the room. That would be about three and a half feet for an 18' room. Try different distances apart and play with the toe-in also.
Cables can change your sound but usually won't clear up muddled sound. You may hear the muddled sound more clearly! If you try cables, there are several dealers who allow free trade-ins until you find the ones you like. I forget the names right now.
I'd try a tube change on the CD player. Use the Audiogon search feature to find older discussions of this CD player. There have been lots.
I have the same amp and it is definately very clear sounding.
Bring your speakers out further into the room. Two feet is too close. There are a lot of past threads and web sites that discuss this. Rives Audio is a good site to start with. When I looked at this, the most recommended place for tight bass seemed to be one-fifth of the way into the room. That would be about three and a half feet for an 18' room. Try different distances apart and play with the toe-in also.
Cables can change your sound but usually won't clear up muddled sound. You may hear the muddled sound more clearly! If you try cables, there are several dealers who allow free trade-ins until you find the ones you like. I forget the names right now.
I'd try a tube change on the CD player. Use the Audiogon search feature to find older discussions of this CD player. There have been lots.
I have the same amp and it is definately very clear sounding.