Seriously muffled sound

[yasso]

moved to Kefalonia 10 years ago leaving behind my Meridian 105/101 amps, Mission 770s which I have owned for nearly 30 years and. Rega Planar turntable. I recently had the opportunity to bring over the pre amp and 1 of the amps (weight restriction) Due to the size of the speakers I couldn't bring them, so, being on a budget, I bought a pair of Cambridge Audio sx 50 which I could fit in a suitcase. I've set up the system including high quality cables and connections ready for when I can get the other amp, also I wanted to hear the speakers even though I only have one channel, the source was ipod. The audio quality was appalling, so boxy and muffled that I couldn't bear to listen to it. Does anyone know why this should be? could it be because I only have one channel? I've tried the speakers with a cheapo cheapo amp which sounded awful but then that was expected. Surely I haven't got a duff pair of speakers, I hope not, it's a long way to return them! but even with my limited technical knowledge it seems unlikely.


Thanks in advance for any advice. :cool:

[Puffin]

Do the speakers have two sets of terminals (bi-wirable) if so are the connecting links in place, if not you may only be using the bass/mid speaker. The only other thing is whether there is an equalizer on the iPod that can be tweaked? Using only one channel of the amp shouldn't make any difference.

[StanleyB]

Are you using a 110V to 240V converter to power the amp? Or has the amp got a 110V setting as well?

[hifi_dave]

If the speakers have tweeters, check they are working by putting your ear close.

[realysm42]

Room acoustics? Power situation? If you can borrow another oair of speakers it coukd help you id the root cause of the issue.

[yasso]

Thanks for all your advice, it's nice to be in a forum which works!! I've tried/checked all suggestions but to no avail, I guess I'll have to find someone here with a decent system that I can test my gear with but I'll keep checking the forum just in case someone has had the same problem.:scratch:

[BTH K10A]

Are you using a 110V to 240V converter to power the amp? Or has the amp got a 110V setting as well?

Isn't Kefalonia 220V

[yasso]

Isn't Kefalonia 220V

Yes it is 220v (when it's working!)