I am a big fan of Pat Metheny and the Pat Metheny Group. I can tell you that on many of the albums, the music is absolutely wonderful, but the recordings are not great. A really good system will put a spotlight on bad or subpar recordings and equipment. I have just about everything that Pat Metheny has put out and will go to any Pat Metheny concert when they come to my area. But, as I mentioned, some of their recordings are not great. The music is, but recordings aren't and I definitely hear it in my system. One of my favorite albums is Secret Story. Absolute wonderful sound (music and recording). Check it out and see if the sound quality is better than on the album. I couldn't begin to suggest changes to your system. But obviously, in your opinion, changes are necessary. Therefore, find dealers or friends that will let you audition or borrow equipment to demo in your home. This prevents buying equipment without knowing what it will sound like in your system in your home and realizing that you made an expensive mistake. If you can't find a dealer, then a friend maybe. One piece at a time, until the issues are solved.
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