How to fix my detailed, accurate but BRIGHT system

Blindjim,

I'll answer your questions here, and then I'm signing off because our dialogue is veering off topic, IMO.

So, here goes.

First, my suggestion was to home audition an amp that doubles down power to hear if it makes any difference to the OP in his system. The intention of the recommendation was to audition *one* amp, and I offered a few possibilities to consider. Then, depending on what he hears, proceed from there utilizing whatever method he finds appealing and financially suitable.

How is your own cabling, conditioning, and power cord situation, BTW? Still using OEM pc’s and entry level or DIY cabling? How about platforms and those aluminum cup & ball (Oreos?) footers?

Power cords: BMI Hammerhead MK II (UX-3Pi), Tekline Reference PC (preamp), Oyaide Tunami GPX power cables (amps, digital transport)

Interconnects: Purist Audio Venustas RCA ICs, Gabriel Gold Revelation II ICs, Oyaide PA-02 balanced ICs

Speaker Cabling: Gregg Straley Reality Cables bi-wire speaker cable with jumpers

AC/Power Conditioning: Two 20A dedicated AC lines with Hubbell “Port Port” outlets, Environmental Potentials EP-2050 whole house AC filter/surge suppressor, Alan Maher Designs Reference Power Center V2, (5) Alan Maher Designs PE filters placed on circuits throughout the house

Stands/Platforms/Isolation/Coupling: Sistrum SP-101 stands under amplifiers, Timberation 2” maple platforms under speakers, Neuance isolation shelf for UX-3Pi, Grand Prix Audio Apex footers under preamp and Transporter digital source

I recalled you saying frequently some years ago “Everything matters. Has your position on that changed now?

No. My position has not changed, and I stated the concept earlier in this thread where I wrote, "The truth is that the solution is likely a combination of the above.":

So, here you have a list of solutions to your problem from many intelligent and well intentioned contributors that includes:

Room treatments
Speaker set-up
Changing source components
Changing preamp
Changing amplifier
Changing wire

The truth is that the solution is likely a combination of the above.

Isn't high end audio fun?!
Tvad (Threads | Answers)

However, in my experience some things matter more than others, and I believe the amp/speaker match ranks at the top of the list.

Best of luck to the OP in his quest for a solution. It's out there.

"My interconnects are nothing special, some Pheonix gold and Monster. I just can't see cables fixing this big of a problem, mabe I'm wrong."

You may be right, but I think you're selling this aspect of a system way short. They're also some of the easiest and cheapest ways to contour sound to our liking. I'd expect you could find some used AZ Matrix Ref. or Cardas Golden Cross interconnects fairly cheaply and if those don't make a marked positive difference you know you'll need to go in a different direction. Quite frankly it seems like you've neglected this important part of your system -- it's kind of like putting the wrong tires on a sports car (and I have no idea what you're using for power cords either, but that's a whole other issue). Suffice it to say I think you'd do well to at least experiment in this area before sinking thousands of dollars in other components if your results/options are limited in terms of room treatment. Best of luck.

Now that I read back through this thread, I agree with an above post: your room is huge! You are trying to pressurize a huge, reflective room with underpowered insensitive speakers. Have you experimented with moving your listening seat closer to the speakers? I think you need larger speakers or a smaller listening room...

Thanks Soix, It sounds like from many here that I should try cables as a possible improvement to my system. I'm always willing to keep an open mind. The lesson can't be learned without trying. I am a true believer in that. I tell my Daughter that all the time. So, I will try ICs and PCs and Speaker cables as part of my venture into making the system I've always wanted to have. I will also try raising my speakers off the floor a bit and try another amp in my system to see how that effects the speakers. I do have an APC power conditioner and a dedicated 20a curcuit for my system for those who asked. I don't have balanced ICs as my amp doesn't support them.

In Reading these threads the last few months, I find the willingness to help refreshing. I have also found people giving each other a bad time. I don't see how this is productive. We all have our own opinions, isn't that what the OP is asking for? With that said, once again thank you for ALL of your input. I will post to this thread when I come up with a solution. I hope it's sooner than later. Take Care,

Sdrenslow, I do have a large room. This room incorporates my living room, dining room, kitchen and loft above the kitchen. The ceiling is 17'.3" tall and flat, so this adds even more volume to the space. Not only that, the entry and the hallway are also open to this room which I didn't add to the footage stated. My seat is pretty close to the speakers at about 9' and the speakers are about 8' apart. I can't change rooms as I don't have another room to put the system in. I do have a 20'x30' out building that i've been thinking about turning into a guest house, cabana, audio room. This may end up happening sooner than later if I can't solve my problem. Thank you for your post.