I don't like the sound of my system. Help please.


Thanks to all in advance for all the help.

ARC SP-14, ARC 150.2, Naim CD 3.5, also a Conrad Johnson PV-10, Vandersteen 2c Sig Mk II, REL Strata III

The sound is thin and voices sound strained. No depth or warmth.

I like to spend about $1200 give or take on any new components.

Suggestions?
mendota9811
Perhaps your speaker/listening position could be tweaked some to improve your frequency respponse as well as eliminating harshness etc.

I think you are pushing the edge of what is possible out of SS components in a tough room, but if the speakers are out about 5' from the walls behind them, and the listening chair and the speakers form an equalateral triangle (or close to) and the speakers are toed in so the axis crosses well in front of you when you are in the sweet spot you will have, at least, minimized first reflections off that glass wall.

You might also pick up a sound pressure meter (Radio Shack will do) and a test disc (Stereophile) you can measure the frequency response and, especially, get placement of chair and speakers so there is some warmth in the bass frequencies (up to 200hz).

This is a tough challenge in a square room which will have large nulls and nodes especially in the bass. You could be sitting in a null that contributes much to 'warmth' or moving your speakers about a bit might also do the same, but having a SPL meter and disc makes the job much more simple (and its cheap!).
the combination of "rich" and "clear" are hard to attain, as rich is a coloration--subtractive in the treble, combined with
a peak in the bass or lower midrange.
Mrtennis you are correct. Unfortunate for me I once heard a very good system at a showroom that sounded rich, clear and three dimensional. I have never been able to recreate that sound in my home.

BTW: I just listed the Vandersteen speakers for sale.

Any more suggestions for speakers in a tough room.

Thank you all again.