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Something just isn't there

I'm hoping some of you with experience can help me evaluate my system. It is, of course, hard to put words on sonic character but sometimes it just isn't there. My system is quite detailed and can have a very nice soundstage but rarely does it grab me. 

The system:Magnum Dynalab MD209 hybrid tube/SS amp,
Manley Chinook tube phono preamp,
Oracle Alexandria factory refurbished,
Oracle Prelude tonearm
Ortophon MC 20 super cart
Joseph Audio RM22si speakers
Audioquest Caldera speaker wire. 

As I have been upgrading the system, I'm left thinking that either speakers or room treatment need attention next.
My room is approximately 12x25with hardwood floor, hard surfaces including art and wooden furniture, two big sofas, and several doorways and windows.   My wife won't take kindly to funky acoustic treatments.Of course the speakers and cartridge are just plain old.  I find auditioning speakers daunting and worry that the showroom experience will not be representative of my home and my electronics. 
Any thoughts would be appreciated. 
Kevin


lobsterotter

Showing 5 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,769 posts
 
IS it better with some kinds of music than others?

Can you physically feel the music when called for as well as hear it?
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,769 posts
 
IF you are using subs in particular, be leary of floor interactions as a primary culprit for muddy or obscured sound. Could occur with mains as well. Bass may seem muddy or fat and obscure details higher up in midrange. Suspended plywood floors are most common and susceptible. Auralex subdude platforms or similar isolating platforms are very effective addressing that when needed.

In this case what you seek may in fact be there but is obscured by your floors acoustically  acting as a part of your speakers and/or subs.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,769 posts
 
Reflective wood floors are another issue to be addressed by rugs, carpet, etc.. The one I am talking about is more about how rigid the floor is ie how it is constructed, not just how finished. Most upper level floors in homes are built to have some give ( not fully rigid. In those cases isolating bass vibrations from floor is a major difference usually for the better in terms of bass articulation and overall detail. Muddy bass is unnatural and obscures detail in the midrange messing up the music significantly. I’d be sure that is not happening first before doing anything else. If you jump up and down and anything moves or can be heard that’s a good test if not sure about floor construction otherwise.

Also yes turntable setup issues are common as well.   
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,769 posts
 
Yes suspended plywood floors.  
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,769 posts
 
Yes one thing that is often "not there" is actually physically feeling the music as well as hearing it.     
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