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Help, my system sounds lifeless!

Hi, this is my first post.  I rushed putting my system together when i emigrated from the UK to New Jersey.  In fact this site was partly to blame as i was attracted to the amazing  "used" deals!  I bought a pair of Dali Helicon 400 (mark I)  as they passed the WAF.  The rest of the system contains a Belles Soloist Integrated and Simaudio Equinox SE CD player, wireworld platinum eclispe 6 interconnect & Audio Art Cable Classic SC-5 Speaker Cable.  My room maybe partly to blame but generally the system sounds lifeless, with little soundstage (better when i play vinyl).  I am not feeling/falling in love with the speakers and do not like the bass response (which is often reported).  I would like to change the speakers and was wondering if you could help.  I have an extremely large cd collection (and have recently bought a used Lumin D1, but unfortunately not set up yet) covering all kinds of music.  I am thinking 8ohm with better sensitivity would be a better option.  Looking to spend around $3000-4000 used.  Some contenders include Revel F206 or F208, Tannoy DC8 or DC8T, ATC SCM40, JA Pulsars (maybe too much $), PBN Liberty, Aerial 10T (never see them used) but they must have grills as sometimes kids go in the basement.  Maybe Monitors with stands would be better option?  I am hoping the flickr link works so you can see my room (excuse the feet!).  I want to fall in love with my large music collection again!  Looking for good bass & soundstage and speakers that can play all kinds of music (sometimes I'm partial to deep electronic music).  In some ways because my taste is so vast i am not particularly looking for ultra revealing speakers (Nora Jones speakers i think you call them!).  Looking forward to the NY audio show so i can hear some systems.  Thanks for all the help, cheers Paul  https://www.flickr.com/gp/97665913@N06/a5G6d9
spoutmouzert
jeffstarr
23 posts
 
I still want actual dimensions and pics from all angles.
We don't know the rooms true dimensions, based on two photos.

I can understand WAF in living room, but in the room you are in, in the basement, you need to take control. After my girlfriend moved in, she started hinting at changes. I was ok until she suggested moving the stereo to the long wall. When asked why not, I made it cleat it was about sound quality, and that she could make changes in any room of the house but that one.
To the OP, if kids could do damage to the system, put a lock on the door, and then start training them when you are around.
2channel8
758 posts
 
Bump on the Vandersteen Treos. I heard a pair of Treo CTs with a Belles Aria at Audio Connection in Verona NJ. Very, very, nice in a space more compromised than yours. They are good people, too.
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
if kids could do damage to the system, then electrify it with a high voltage
hddg's avatar
hddg
123 posts
 
Dear Paul,
Here is an official promise to you. For quality speakers, here is two options with which you cant go wrong and that many in US don't know about; XTZ. It is Swedish made with top SEAS and Accuton drivers, it is sold direct from manufacturer, and I can certify are amongst world's best. Its flagship, the Divine 100.49 (actually being replaced with new model the Alpha) are a quarter of the price of the B&W 800D, but they beat these English speakers by far, and can play in small to large rooms. If you want a bookshelf model, the XTZ Master M2 is an absolute winner. I own these and know what i am talking about, these are real gems you will not regret one second. Just a word of cautious: they really need the break-in hours before they sound like paradise. Sound is pure, tones are perfect from top to bottom, balanced, holographic, excellent both loud and soft, dynamic, you name it they have it, they are really that good. I can easily state that they are miraculous speakers for the money. Now if you want a not less than brilliant amp, full of life and true musical vibrations, the Coincident 211PP Dragon MkII monos, with upgraded Psvane WE211 tubes, are difficult to match at any price (one month or about 250hrs break-in needed).
If you decide on some of these components and are not satisfied, i will stop making any audio recommendations for the rest of my life.
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,817 posts
 
I work at Audio Doctor who is the NJ Dali dealer we have a lot of experience with the Helicons before you change  them maybe we can assist you with your setup the speakers are great you should try a diff amp & cables 877 428 2873
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