I feel your frustration. Been there. A logical approach would be to learn more about your listening environment. Such a feat can be accomplished with little or no expense.
IMHO I would try the following first:
1. borrow a rug or put down a bedspread to absorb reflections from the floor.
2. use a smaller piece of furniture
between the speakers to hold your gear or remove the piece altogether temporarily for testing purposes. Bring those speakers closer together. This solves the irregular triangle problem and the more obvious issue of speaker behind chair. You may find you don’t need to increase the volume as much as a result.
This will cost you nothing and could satisfy your needs.
3. Avoid listening to people who believe their system is what you require. Each person is different; each room is different. Naming off a list of components and their worth aids no one
This is where the money starts flowing.
4. Equipment placement and room treatment will only take you so far. IMO if you don’t like the sound signature of your speakers you won’t like them no matter what you do.
5. A clean high current amplifier IMO will greatly improve the sound of any speaker. When I purchased my amp it was immediately apparent what I was missing. I especially noticed more bass at lower volumes.
You are making good decisions by trying the equipment in your home. I don’t make equipment suggestions for you. Instead, I give you my knowledge as an audiophile and speaker designer/builder for 45 years.
Good luck. Hope this helps.
IMHO I would try the following first:
1. borrow a rug or put down a bedspread to absorb reflections from the floor.
2. use a smaller piece of furniture
between the speakers to hold your gear or remove the piece altogether temporarily for testing purposes. Bring those speakers closer together. This solves the irregular triangle problem and the more obvious issue of speaker behind chair. You may find you don’t need to increase the volume as much as a result.
This will cost you nothing and could satisfy your needs.
3. Avoid listening to people who believe their system is what you require. Each person is different; each room is different. Naming off a list of components and their worth aids no one
This is where the money starts flowing.
4. Equipment placement and room treatment will only take you so far. IMO if you don’t like the sound signature of your speakers you won’t like them no matter what you do.
5. A clean high current amplifier IMO will greatly improve the sound of any speaker. When I purchased my amp it was immediately apparent what I was missing. I especially noticed more bass at lower volumes.
You are making good decisions by trying the equipment in your home. I don’t make equipment suggestions for you. Instead, I give you my knowledge as an audiophile and speaker designer/builder for 45 years.
Good luck. Hope this helps.