Frustrated with the sound of my system


Here is my system:
Rotel RCD-965BX CD Player as transport
MSB Link 2 DAC
Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 Signature preamp
Classe 10 amplifier
North Creek Audio Borealis speakers (Custom built kit speaker...something close to a Proac Response 2.5 design)
M&K V-75 sub
Kimber and Cardas interconnects
Kimber 4TC/8TC bi-wire speaker cables.

Here is my frustration:
The sound, regardless of music, sounds stringent, hard, really lacks air, and is anything but relaxed. It is fatigueing. I can listen to my Grado 60 headphones on an iPod and the sound is frustratingly more relaxed and has what I would call air.

I don't think that my system is that outstanding, but it really seems like I should be more pleased with what I am hearing.

I would be interested in your thoughts on where the most likely opportunity is. I really like the individual components of the system (OK the Rotel/MSB set up is old and just OK), but all together they seem to be underwhelming. I am thinking it is either in improving the digital front end (new player or DAC) or moving to a planar speaker to get the sound I desire. I have thought about new player like an OPPO 93 or 95, perhaps a tube based player or DAC, or else looking at something like a used pair of Maggie 12's or 1.6's. I have always enjoyed the Maggie sound.

In either case I am thinking that $2k is the absolute max I would want to spend on any solution. Thanks in advance. If there are other questions I would be glad to supply details.
stuartbmw3
Ok Spaz I will bite. I have heard a great system in an untreated room. I have heard a great system in a room treated with very little. I have heard very expensive systems in treated rooms that I hated. I threw out 80% of my room treatments and my system was great. Go figure?

It depends on the room..........that you happen to be in and the furniture you have and the speaker placement you have and that is the truth of the matter. I least I think so.
I always go back to a room at Overture audio in Delaware.No matter what system I hear in this room ,it's great.
It seems that you chose all products of the lowest denominator. You need at least one item to push the envelope. If you like Classe, the "15" is a good one to have. Change both speaker cables to 8TC. Search for an SFL-2 and get a better source.
Ok Spaz I will bite. I have heard a great system in an untreated room. I have heard a great system in a room treated with very little. I have heard very expensive systems in treated rooms that I hated. I threw out 80% of my room treatments and my system was great. Go figure?

It depends on the room..........that you happen to be in and the furniture you have and the speaker placement you have and that is the truth of the matter. I least I think so.