Thanks for the responses. The voices become much more distinct outside of the "sweet spot." If I stand on either side, the "muting" effect disappears. I am listening fairly close, in a medium sized room. Speakers are about two feet from the back and side walls, and about 9 feet from the listening position. Room dimensions are roughly 12 x 16 feet. No accoustic treatment (although the entire room has cherry panelling, and book shelves along one wall).
One really odd aspect is how much the effect varies by recording. For instance, on any Nora Jones recording, her voice is crystal clear and near the front of the soundstage. On most other recordings, it sounds like the recording engineer lowered the gain on the singer's microphone.
One really odd aspect is how much the effect varies by recording. For instance, on any Nora Jones recording, her voice is crystal clear and near the front of the soundstage. On most other recordings, it sounds like the recording engineer lowered the gain on the singer's microphone.