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Muffled vocals

I have positioned my speakers every way imaginable and I just can't get the vocals the way I want. They're centered, but they seem like they're in the background.  I want them more up front.  I've tried various toeing methods and room treatment but they still seem a little muffled.  My equipment: Lyngdorf TDAI-2200 integrated, Marantz CD6006, Tyler Acoustics D-20, Anti-Cables, Audioquest digital cable.  I know the recording can have a lot to do with it, but Steely Dan's Aja is known for the recording quality and Donald Fagen is in the back.  My terminology no doubt betrays my lack of sophistication when it come to audio, but I know something's not right.  Any suggestions?
cal91
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
1,033 posts
 
It is impossible for anybody to offer up more than a guess ... so here is my guess:

ignoring the high  probability of a poor quality recording pressing , then its likely your cdp that needs significant upgrading to match up to the performance quality of your integrated amp . Everything is built to its pricepoint and the Marantz is only a $500 spinner .... you only get what you pay .

the following review view says it all as its prevailing wart:
https://www.whathifi.com/marantz/cd6006/review

"....Favours easy listening over out-and-out detail....


elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I just spent an additional $21,000 to move up to Magnepan 20.7 (from 3.6) and buy a DAC/SACD player.With those added to my sstem, I can finally hear Rock vocals better.What I just said is your stuff is not good enough to hear the vocals clearly in (particularly) Rock music. Want clarity? Stuck to Opera.
erik_squires
5,268 posts
 
Try the close listening test. 

Walk up to your speakers and listen 1' away. Are the voices in better proportion? 

If so, your problem is room acoustics. If not, electronics and speakers. 

Best,

E
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