Bolero:why can't my system reproduce snare well?

Seems to be a simple cabling synergy/mis-match issue to me..
Change a component within a system, more so the speakers - you'll most likely have to
re-finetune to get things to perfect again. Some cables tending toward the rich full side
usually do thicken hence muffled/faint attacks/leading edge of certain instrumentations.

Call the CableCo./your dealer to borrow some and play around a bit (IC, SC, PC -
depending on what you have and are currently using - zoom in on the 'suspect' and try
switching that piece out) I'm quite sure with a little effort your problem could be
overcome quickly this way ie.find that right balance for your system and taste. In my
case, having had similar issue, the swapping of one IC going from dac>pre does the
trick. Good luck.

Elegal, as Mapman says, then you have a good point of reference. Please tell us what recording of Bolero you are listening to; that may be very instructive.

However, last night, I was listening to Bolero, and the snare sounded terrible.... These speakers sound good on bass, but also seem to be lacking on cymbals as well.... All: can you please recommend a good reference LP? I currently do not have a cd player hooked up to my system.

Perhaps one of the others can recommend a good currently available recording of Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kije Suite or Romeo and Juliet ballet excerpts. (All of the versions I have on LP are no longer in print). Snare drum and cymbals are well represented on both.

Frogman, LOL re your "lighter note" link. Thanks!

Regards,
-- Al

A very good recording with nice snare dynamics from start to finish is "She's So Cold" by The Rolling Stones on their Emotional Rescue album ( a very good recording overall as well).

I've carefully read through this thread and still don't know which performance and recording (other than that it's vinyl) of Bolero the OP is listening to. I have a few recordings of Bolero and might be able to do a comparison if I have the one in question (but so far unmentioned).