Critique my system...

Treat the room first....this will give you the biggest bang for the buck. Work on removing the standing waves from the room corners and first reflection points. Only after this is done will you know how your system actually sounds.

Thanks guys. Yeah, the room isn't ideal...it is carpeted though. Oh and the speakers are on Skylan stands mass loaded with floor dry. I've tried moving the speakers and doesn't seem to change much.

Sometimes I think I'm confusing brightness for a lack of bass...the system is very clear and detailed.

Interesting comments on the CD player...it has a Wolfson DAC which I understand is a decent one.

The other issue may be just crappy recordings. I have a few discs that sound fantastic but I'm still curious if it could sound better....really just new to this.

Thanks,
Aaron

I would say it is the AR preamp, just on face value of your list. It could be the room, so don't rule that out.

But I owned the LS3 in the mid 90s. At first listen, it's detail is captivating. But for the long haul, it is indeed on the bright side.

Shakey

"Sometimes I think I'm confusing brightness for a lack of bass"

I believe you have answered your own question. You have a nice setup. Enjoy it and maybe sometime in the future you can upgrade to Nola's with more bass.

A tube DAC maybe?