Ozzy might be on to something ... tubes. That is how I used the Sierras. Your vintage Sansui may be what was missing. Something less 'modern' sounding. Your other components sound like perfectly good stuff, certainly nothing shabby there.
It certainly is a go figure. I don't think it is a cabling or room treatments effect. Your initial reaction was too visceral for that.
As I approach my mid-60's and settle in what will be my keeper components for the foreseeable future, I seem to have chosen the speaker sound I prefer. In the Prima Luna/ Musical Fidelity main system, I have been using Zu Audio Dirty Weekenders for the last 3 years and absolutely love them. In the Rogue Sphinx/ Naim system, I have GoldenEar BRX's, which I am very pleased with. The Naim has taught me the pay-off of burn-in. Technics turntables in both systems. I do tinker with cartridges, but I am inclined to think the answer is with a better record cleaning system.
No shame in trying to get a speaker to work out for you. I did the same with a pair of Omega CAM's that I just could not ultimately live with, but gave up after 2 years. Same with a Croft Integrated. I am learning to leave well enough alone. Though, MC does have me thinking about Raven tube amps.
Rich
It certainly is a go figure. I don't think it is a cabling or room treatments effect. Your initial reaction was too visceral for that.
As I approach my mid-60's and settle in what will be my keeper components for the foreseeable future, I seem to have chosen the speaker sound I prefer. In the Prima Luna/ Musical Fidelity main system, I have been using Zu Audio Dirty Weekenders for the last 3 years and absolutely love them. In the Rogue Sphinx/ Naim system, I have GoldenEar BRX's, which I am very pleased with. The Naim has taught me the pay-off of burn-in. Technics turntables in both systems. I do tinker with cartridges, but I am inclined to think the answer is with a better record cleaning system.
No shame in trying to get a speaker to work out for you. I did the same with a pair of Omega CAM's that I just could not ultimately live with, but gave up after 2 years. Same with a Croft Integrated. I am learning to leave well enough alone. Though, MC does have me thinking about Raven tube amps.
Rich