Help, my system sounds lifeless!


Hi, this is my first post.  I rushed putting my system together when i emigrated from the UK to New Jersey.  In fact this site was partly to blame as i was attracted to the amazing  "used" deals!  I bought a pair of Dali Helicon 400 (mark I)  as they passed the WAF.  The rest of the system contains a Belles Soloist Integrated and Simaudio Equinox SE CD player, wireworld platinum eclispe 6 interconnect & Audio Art Cable Classic SC-5 Speaker Cable.  My room maybe partly to blame but generally the system sounds lifeless, with little soundstage (better when i play vinyl).  I am not feeling/falling in love with the speakers and do not like the bass response (which is often reported).  I would like to change the speakers and was wondering if you could help.  I have an extremely large cd collection (and have recently bought a used Lumin D1, but unfortunately not set up yet) covering all kinds of music.  I am thinking 8ohm with better sensitivity would be a better option.  Looking to spend around $3000-4000 used.  Some contenders include Revel F206 or F208, Tannoy DC8 or DC8T, ATC SCM40, JA Pulsars (maybe too much $), PBN Liberty, Aerial 10T (never see them used) but they must have grills as sometimes kids go in the basement.  Maybe Monitors with stands would be better option?  I am hoping the flickr link works so you can see my room (excuse the feet!).  I want to fall in love with my large music collection again!  Looking for good bass & soundstage and speakers that can play all kinds of music (sometimes I'm partial to deep electronic music).  In some ways because my taste is so vast i am not particularly looking for ultra revealing speakers (Nora Jones speakers i think you call them!).  Looking forward to the NY audio show so i can hear some systems.  Thanks for all the help, cheers Paul  https://www.flickr.com/gp/97665913@N06/a5G6d9
spoutmouzert
Not trying to be a smart ass but have you checked to see if the mono button is on????
You can't go wrong with the Focal 1027be, I used to drive mine with a Belles Ref v2.  However, full disclosure I am selling them😀 As you may notice in another area of this website...

A short p.s.  From your snap:

1. the speakers appear a bit big for the room, but I don't see any obvious reason for the sound being dull, assuming you move your feet to allow the sound waves to flow over you...
2. you need to grow a pair and relocate your stereo to the optimum living room location. 
3.  The Dali's might be a difficult load?  The Soloist isn't a powerhouse is it?
4.  Try the cable change first, least expensive option.
5. I hope you didn't leave Blighty looking for a calmer, more stable political process.....


Agree with everyone else here that the speakers are too big for the room, but for S's & G's, why not try this experiment:  Buy a cheap small pair of British mini monitors and see if you don't just love the way they sound compared to your large speakers in that room.  Celestion C3's, Mission 70's mk II, or Mission 731's for $100 or less and I'll bet you'll be floored with how good they sound in that room.  And then you could upgrade into a smaller pair of speakers.  I just love the ProAc Super Tablettes and if the money is really burning a hole in your pocket, get a pair of LS 3/5a's or ProAc Response 1's.