Some of the best improvements in a stereo system require heading to the bank.

This one requires an old CD jewel case or a thin novel.

Slip the case or novel under the front of each loudspeaker and you tilt the speaker back about half an inch. Put it under the rear and the speaker tilts forward.

Those tiny changes alter where the tweeter is aimed relative to your ears.

Tilting back generally opens the soundstage, making it wider, deeper, and airier, though it may also reduce a bit of upper harmonic energy. Tilting forward usually adds more high-frequency life and brings the presentation closer.

I like to begin with a well-recorded, multi-instrument piece. Recently I have been using a couple from the Qobuz PS Audio playlist. Try Billie Eilish's " Ilomilo for starters (she and her brother are amazing).

Once the image is where I want it, I switch to maybe Holly Cole's version of Allison and listen for the immediacy of her voice.

Then I fuss.

One jewel case or that cheesy romance novel. Forward a little. Back a little. The sort of thing that causes normal members of the household to walk quietly in the other direction.

Before replacing a component, try changing the direction in which your speakers are talking to you.

They may have been aimed at the wrong person all along.