I'm not suggesting you try and build a recording studio environment in the home. That's lunacy. But a couple of well-positioned wall hangings (I have African textile artworks on the walls) make a big difference. Most people think buying expensive gear will give them a good sound - it will improve the perception of some frequencies while actually diminishing others - because of the room not the gear. I do not have particulary expensive audio gear, but rearranging the room works wonders - and it's cheap!
For example, if your speakers are next to a wall (i.e. the back of the speaker is up against a wall), try placing absorbent (sp??) material behind them. Most speakers have a hole at the back these days which you can place a foam plug in to tame bass frequencies. Many people think this is to let the sound out the back, which it is, unless of course, it's against a wall. The best thing to have in a sound system is not neccessarily expensive speakers or a powerful amplifier but a decent graphic equalizer which allow you to customize the sound to suit the environment. It also compensates for deterioration in your hearing as the years pass.
For example, if your speakers are next to a wall (i.e. the back of the speaker is up against a wall), try placing absorbent (sp??) material behind them. Most speakers have a hole at the back these days which you can place a foam plug in to tame bass frequencies. Many people think this is to let the sound out the back, which it is, unless of course, it's against a wall. The best thing to have in a sound system is not neccessarily expensive speakers or a powerful amplifier but a decent graphic equalizer which allow you to customize the sound to suit the environment. It also compensates for deterioration in your hearing as the years pass.
'The purpose of life is a life of purpose' - Athena Orchard.