Let's dissect this logically.
Pioneer = Lean My experience is that most every "commercial" DVD player comes across as sounding somewhat lean.
MSB = Lean This product has a tendency to sound somewhat etched and slightly forward in the upper midrange / lower treble. Many people think of this as being more "articulate" sounding.
Denon AVR = Lean Typical SS receiver sound, even if used only as a preamp / tuner.
B & K = Lean While most of their older amps were warmer and smoother, the new series is slightly lean and harder sounding.
Monitor Audio = Lean Typical English sound, clean and quick but lacking bottom end authority.
As such, it is no wonder that you're experiencing the results that you are. While each component may look good on paper or test well by itself, it appears that there was little forethought put into the specific combo of parts that you've assembled as a system. This is a VERY common occurance with people just starting to get into component level systems. As you've found out, there is a LOT more to putting together a good sounding system than just hooking "good" components together.
Given your current predicament, there are two approaches you can take and much of that will depend on your outlook on things, ultimate goals and budget. You can keep the system that you have and "band aid" it via cables. While this might not result in the most "accurate" or "revealing" system, it could make things much more musical and enjoyable. OR, if you want to embark in a long journey into "audiophilia", you can slowly start to replace components until you've reached the level of performance that you're happy with.
The sensible thing to do at this point in time is a combination of the two. I would probably look for some VERY reasonably priced cables that would help "ease the pain" and make things more enjoyable. While enjoying the improved musicality that these cables bring, you could start saving cash and shopping around for components that will take you one step closer to your ultimate audio goals. Reading and learning as much as is possible during this period of time is highly advised and recommended.
As others have suggested, you might also want to look into playing with your speaker placement and listening position. Both can make a very noticeable difference in tonal balance without costing you anything more than some time and effort. Good luck and keep us posted as to what you decide to do. Sean
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Pioneer = Lean My experience is that most every "commercial" DVD player comes across as sounding somewhat lean.
MSB = Lean This product has a tendency to sound somewhat etched and slightly forward in the upper midrange / lower treble. Many people think of this as being more "articulate" sounding.
Denon AVR = Lean Typical SS receiver sound, even if used only as a preamp / tuner.
B & K = Lean While most of their older amps were warmer and smoother, the new series is slightly lean and harder sounding.
Monitor Audio = Lean Typical English sound, clean and quick but lacking bottom end authority.
As such, it is no wonder that you're experiencing the results that you are. While each component may look good on paper or test well by itself, it appears that there was little forethought put into the specific combo of parts that you've assembled as a system. This is a VERY common occurance with people just starting to get into component level systems. As you've found out, there is a LOT more to putting together a good sounding system than just hooking "good" components together.
Given your current predicament, there are two approaches you can take and much of that will depend on your outlook on things, ultimate goals and budget. You can keep the system that you have and "band aid" it via cables. While this might not result in the most "accurate" or "revealing" system, it could make things much more musical and enjoyable. OR, if you want to embark in a long journey into "audiophilia", you can slowly start to replace components until you've reached the level of performance that you're happy with.
The sensible thing to do at this point in time is a combination of the two. I would probably look for some VERY reasonably priced cables that would help "ease the pain" and make things more enjoyable. While enjoying the improved musicality that these cables bring, you could start saving cash and shopping around for components that will take you one step closer to your ultimate audio goals. Reading and learning as much as is possible during this period of time is highly advised and recommended.
As others have suggested, you might also want to look into playing with your speaker placement and listening position. Both can make a very noticeable difference in tonal balance without costing you anything more than some time and effort. Good luck and keep us posted as to what you decide to do. Sean
>