Help, my system sounds lifeless!


Hi, this is my first post.  I rushed putting my system together when i emigrated from the UK to New Jersey.  In fact this site was partly to blame as i was attracted to the amazing  "used" deals!  I bought a pair of Dali Helicon 400 (mark I)  as they passed the WAF.  The rest of the system contains a Belles Soloist Integrated and Simaudio Equinox SE CD player, wireworld platinum eclispe 6 interconnect & Audio Art Cable Classic SC-5 Speaker Cable.  My room maybe partly to blame but generally the system sounds lifeless, with little soundstage (better when i play vinyl).  I am not feeling/falling in love with the speakers and do not like the bass response (which is often reported).  I would like to change the speakers and was wondering if you could help.  I have an extremely large cd collection (and have recently bought a used Lumin D1, but unfortunately not set up yet) covering all kinds of music.  I am thinking 8ohm with better sensitivity would be a better option.  Looking to spend around $3000-4000 used.  Some contenders include Revel F206 or F208, Tannoy DC8 or DC8T, ATC SCM40, JA Pulsars (maybe too much $), PBN Liberty, Aerial 10T (never see them used) but they must have grills as sometimes kids go in the basement.  Maybe Monitors with stands would be better option?  I am hoping the flickr link works so you can see my room (excuse the feet!).  I want to fall in love with my large music collection again!  Looking for good bass & soundstage and speakers that can play all kinds of music (sometimes I'm partial to deep electronic music).  In some ways because my taste is so vast i am not particularly looking for ultra revealing speakers (Nora Jones speakers i think you call them!).  Looking forward to the NY audio show so i can hear some systems.  Thanks for all the help, cheers Paul  https://www.flickr.com/gp/97665913@N06/a5G6d9
spoutmouzert

Showing 5 responses by spoutmouzert

Apologies I have been meaning to write for a while but have just started a new job and am drowning in work.  One has to keep the rain off as well as save for new speakers!  Firstly thanks so much for all the replies, I have really enjoyed reading the replies.  Such a great forum/website.  Unfortunately i can't see me making too many changes to the room itself (WAF etc) but the plan is set up the Lumin this wkd (last wkd i failed as i realised my new router is not compatible with FIOS (bl**dy crooks), go the NY audio show and actually listen to some speakers instead of reading about them (!), and most importantly sell my Dali's and buy some monitors that have more life and synergy with my set up.  I have some new cables i would like to try also.  Will keep you posted.  Lastly, if Trump gets in I moving back to the UK!  Cheers, Paul. 
Well I enjoyed my first audio show and found it very friendly. The only room i couldn't get into was the audio arts room. Maybe it was quieter on Sunday as the marathon put a few folks off. A lot of the brands i wanted to hear were not present but highlights were the GamuT, Mola Mola/YG, Technics, Prism/ATC, & Sonner rooms. Oh and some big horn speakers (Volti) were great.  I was hoping my jaw would drop at my first audio show but it didn't quite happen unfortunately, maybe i am more of a sound snob than i thought! That or the famous small NY hotel rooms! Still I did get a few music requests in! 

Well its finally Thanksgiving so I am hoping to put the Dali speakers up for sale, set up another router for the Lumin and play with some new cable.  I am starting to finalize my monitor list (so far the Tannoy DC8, Proac Response 2, Harbeth Compact 7 ES3, Revel, Focal) so please let me know if you have any tips.  As mentioned I play all sorts of music, so they need to sound fantastic with Kate Bush as well as Trentemoller!  I will try and find a tape measure and provide room dimensions.  Wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving.  Cheers Paul
Forgot to mention Pulsars on are my  list also, 2 pairs were advertised on here recently but got snapped up very quickly.  Guess that is a good sign! 
Still here!  I just wondered if anyone has some advice for new speakers priced under $3000 (Used). As I listen to all types of music and my room is not ideal (see earlier link) I think I am going to go for some monitors or smaller floorstanders.  I like the odd bit of electronic music so bass is a must.  So far on my list are:
Volent VL2
Tannoy DC8
Pulsars
Prana Fidelity Fifty90
Proac Response 2

Some other that have caught my eye (should be ear) are;

Proac Response 2.5
Tekton Lore S
Spatial M3 Turbo
Alta Audio Rhea

Any help greatly received, happy new year.