How can I improve the sound of choral music

[Scruffy]

I'm thinking it's the audio card but unless you play along, we're not gonna get anywhere.

Try connecting up a CD/DVD player and connect it up via the analog connections. Then try connecting the CD/DVD player using it's digital connections.

If these clean it up, it's the audio card. If not, it's probably the receiver or the speakers.

I agree, and I knocked on 2 doors so far trying to locate a CD player with no luck. I'll keep trying, but may take a while.

Listening to a Naxos recording of William Byrd right now that was pretty easily managed in the midrange using an EQ, but still sounded way off when turning off the bass management function and EQ.

Thanks!