Fivefasts, Monstercable speaker wire is multi stranded and will fuzzy up the sound. I really think you would be shocked to hear what a good solid core built speaker cable would do. Try some from Signalcable.com or Morrowaudio.com . After you fix that, I would re evaluate your bass. AQ Ic's are good sounding. Change that Nagaoka (un envolving no PRAT) out for a High output(4mv) Grado wood body prestige (very envolving and has Pace Rhythm Timimg) , much better sounding cartridge and is a perfect match for the Thornes TP16 tonearm. I have had both the MP200 and the Grado on a Thornes TD160. (a great place to upgrade for your system)IMO.