Jay,

My speakers sound better because they are being driven with a better receiver. Don't ask me to explain it in technical terms, maybe someone else can do that. The insides of the 1050 are completely different than the Technics receiver I had. The power is much "cleaner" and it brings out much more of what is on the DVD and CD's.

The sony speakers I mentioned when hooked up to my Technics sounded hallow and tinny. I had to unhook them after a short period. But now they have some depth that wasn't there before.

My B&W front sound better as well. From what I understand, B&W speakers need to have clean power from the amp/receiver. I always thought this was bogus until I heard it with my own ears. The receiver brings out instruments that I never knew was on the CD. But the greatest difference is playing DVD's. WOW!!! All sorts of sounds are coming at me now. I hope this anwers your question even though I did not get technical.

About your bass problem. It may be you have a defective receiver. It could be defective in it's bass management. It does happen to every brand of reciever out their. Or it could be a difference preference between well established bass from the 1050 and the muddy bass from the sony. I don't know, just some thoughts. What is the frequency range of your Polk's? If you are thinking of purchasing speakers, start with a sub. I have the Boston PV600 and it is a great sub for a great price. This would give you the low frequency foundation. Keep us posted on your problem.