what do I change or upgrade?

Try toeing your speakers in such that they are pointing directly at you. If the problem is beaming or reflections, this should cure it.

If it doesn't, my take on your problem is that it is your CD player. The Lector is too soft and warm for your system. I would suggest you try something like an Audio Aero, Rega or Cayin.

Arthur

Clarity and presence at high(er) volumes is one of the hallmarks of high quality equipment and equipment interface (synergy). You've got some good stuff but I don't know if its that good, or synergistic. If I had to guess which component might be a problem it would be the Spendor's. These are excellent speakers but I'm not at all sure that they do what you want at high levels. (Thats why lots of folks pay big bucks for speakers with SOTA drivers - they 'can' sound great at high SPL's).

Actually my first guess though is that even though the volume is not "ear splitting" you may simply be overdriving your room (you didn't mention its size or sound pressure levels you consider less than ear splitting. Assuming of course that your software and sources are capable and your expectations are reasonable.

Probably didn't help much............

What tubes are you presently using in your Lector? A quality matched pair of NOS tubes(ie: Telefunken or Siemens ECC801S, Valvo 6201) will make a MAJOR difference in your presentation. Those mentioned will provide exactly the flavor you are seeking(and will also make the bass more accurate). The builder of your CDP is a veteran tube roller BTW. Also- Are you using any isolation under the CDP? Good isolation will result in much better focus/definition(separation between voices), and eliminate much of that "smearing" you mentioned. Some leads on tubes: (http://www.tubemonger.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=236) (http://www.upscaleaudio.com/view_category.asp?cat=45)

I'd like to thank all of you for your suggestions...Shadorne,I've moved the speakers much closer and Arthur, I've also toed the speakers in per your suggestion. There is already a very significant improvement in clarity. The next step will be changing the tubes in the Lector... Btw, my room is approximately 23' x 15'..Shardone, are there any panel speakers in particular you are recommending and will the Mistral LE have enough power for them? Thanks again!

bob

Bob- After you ungrade the Lector's tubes, make the next step good isolation. For all their innate non-resonant construction, the Lectors respond really well to further isolation. On what do you have the unit resting presently?