Weakest link

If you will let me add, Inna, to what I posted above. All in all, what I’m saying really, is that this likely a ’stage’ that everyone seems to get to with their system and is often not to be taken lightly if one wants to successfully navigate through it, IMHO. Many people do not foresee this last step as being even necessary when they fully get into system building. You research your components/wiring/room/etc and make your purchases, install and set everything up, listen and tweak some...and then you’re done, right?? Except that a lot of times it may be necessary to go back, based on some perceived problem(s) that never got satisfactorily resolved, and redo some things...maybe even some very basic things...like component choices...(although not always that, of course).

But, I think this why I tell people to always try to learn from their mistakes from system building. I suppose I’m of the opinion that too many folks, once they feel they’ve made a purchasing mistake, may just pack the thing up right then and there and send it back without a second thought. Without fully wondering what the real nature of the mistake in their mind, or the equipment, actually was.

And when you get to this ’final’ stage of problem solving, all you really have to go on are your audio instincts...and if you have not done your ’homework’ along the way and have been passing up all your opportunities to sharpen your instincts, then you can really end up being stumped at this last stage and really have no real sense of where to even begin.

There’s no reason not to just dive into it really, but it’s just that (IMO, anyway) this stage of the game is not likely going to prove to be something that can be ’played at’...that is, that it seems to me to be unlikely that most folks will be able to just dabble with it and fix their perceived problem(s) on the first try. Sometimes you see people in this kind of boat on forums who are trying to get someone to help them out and basically do this for them online. But, it can be so very difficult to help them at this point because it is such a hands-on kind of thing - and that’s really what a person’s own audio instincts are for...the trial-and-error process that hopefully eliminates the person’s problem and not their wallet.

Just sayin.

As to your hypothetical about the lack of drive, yes, my own instincts would be to at least consider the source unit.

For dynamic issues, I might look to passive crossovers first, either their design or their parts quality, or even consider going active.

OTOH, I once had a setup that had a very relaxed, breezy kind of sound. But, it was soo relaxed it lost a sense of purpose with bass lines. Changing amps, as it turned out, to a nice, clean, tight signature was just what the doctor ordered.

Thanks for lettin' me rant above, Inna...not that I give anybody much choice. ;>)

Ivan, you are not ranting, this is all good and to the point. I think, you are the first here to mention audiophile instinct, sharpened articulated and generally advanced by listening knowledge and experience. That's very important.
I like this kind of slightly relaxed but well controlled and poweful dynamic sound. I could think of best Conde Hermanos acoustic guitars as an analogy. Heard live only one - played by Paco de Lucia. What a sound.

Thanks for the kind words @inna. 

Wow, Paco de Lucia is definitely one I would love to hear live!