I don't like the sound of my system. Help please.

I'll chime in here. I had almost the exact same problem that you describe using the Vandersteen speakers and a solid state amp and tube preamp. I changed all my source components, speaker wires, audio cables, power conditioners and the sound was still thin. I finally changed the speakers and all the thinness went away. I believe it had something to do with my room because I moved the Vandersteens upstairs to my secondary system and the thinness was gone.

My point is I spent over ten thousand dollars on different components and in the end, it turned out to be a speaker/room problem. If you can get your hands on a different pair of speakers, I would try that first because if the sound is as thin as you say, no amount of cables or equipment will make up for it.

there is one component that will solve your problem. get a conrad johnson mv 125. it will, however, cost more than $1200.

Listen to what Stereo5 is saying, he is giving you solid advice here. You can change cables and upstream components till the proverbial cows come home (and lots here do!) If your speakers/room don't sound at least decent from the get go, you will be fighting a hopeless battle. At minimum, try some other speakers on loan or a friends set if possible, and do experiment with placement within the room if at all possible, you will be surprised.

Sell the speakers to me. That's my suggestion. How old are they? That may not help your sound, but it would help me:).

You need a Z-Systems RDP-1. Stop torturing yourself. We audiophiles are prone to that. I assure you, this will be some of the best money you spend when it comes to preserving your sanity.

But you'll also need an outboard DAC. This was Stereophile class A for a reason, and you still can't find anything else like it. It was 5k new but you can find them used around 1200 and up. 2k is not uncommon, but watch eBay for deals.

Read a few the glowing reviews:

http://www.stereophile.com/digitalprocessors/278

http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-accessories/acoustics-eq-room-tuning/z-systems-rdp-1-digital-preamp-and-eq.html

http://hometheaterreview.com/z-systems-rdp-1-room-correction-device-and-eq-reviewed/