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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
jdave's avatar
jdave
26 posts
 
cal91: Sorry to get off topic there.

With anything technical, I've almost started with the process of elimination. If shifting your speakers, as per technik and Elizabeth, doesn't help, then is there anywhere that you could borrow or try a different (preferably higher level), CD player or Dac?
Just a thot.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
3,018 posts
 
I dont think you need to change components, a square room makes it hard to dial in soundstage and imaging. You may need some absorbion panels and I would start with bass traps in the corners behind the speakers.
Experiment with quilts, blankets, and pillows in the corners. As you stated, the large bass drivers may be affecting the image.

In my room, 12' x 16', placing thick absorption panels in the corners facing the speakers helped shape the soundstage and gave clarity to the vocals.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
3,018 posts
 
http://www.gikacoustics.com/the-basics-bass-traps-diffusion-panels/


http://arqen.com/bass-traps-101/placement-guide/
2channel8
634 posts
 
Isn't there any way you could borrow a turntable and a few LPs or a "better" CD player or DAC just to make sure it's not the Marantz? Check the low hanging fruit first in a process of elimination. Music Direct and others offer a 60-day money back return.
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