My room is 4,200 ft^3. I've also had the 80s 7' apart, flat against the wall and sitting 8' away. I've never heard them sound the way you describe.

As for the shorting bars, I knew it was a stretch but I had to ask because that was the culprit a few times here on the boards.

BTW, quit upsetting Richard 'cause he's not the stallion he used to be.