if you had this system, what would you do to make it sound the best you can

Welcome and best with all the advice.  You might want to establish a budget.  How much do you want to spend on this first iteration of upgrades?  Maybe make the rounds and listen some decent systems.  Lastly, you will go much further dumping the analog and upgrading on the digital side.  Don’t discount room acoustics, speaker and listener placement.

Many things need to go .being a ex Audio dealer any products you have are sub standard ,the Panamax good for a printer or Pc , try a Puritan line conditioner

that is not current limiting , a EQ degrades the sound inside pure crap,parts quality

buy a Quality dac Depending on budget.

comparisons on many areas and levels .

@2psyop

+1
I must agree. Upgrading your speakers would be the way to go. You can get lots more out of the rest of your system. If you can swing over $5K you can get into a new class of speakers. If you really like the Mac sound, B&W is a common choice to pair with. Other great brands: Sonus Faber (natural / musical) and DynAudio (detailed and dynamic) are also great choices. Since the Mac stuff tends to lack detail, B&W and DynAudio may be really compatible.

+1 Getting Better Sound

Don’t let others tell you that your system is not good. Unless anything there needs a recap or new wiring, then leave it alone. I mean, speakers maybe? But only if they’re in need of some service. But those a5’s are supposed to be great speakers (I’m a Spendor fan so I’m definitely biased!). Positioning and room treatment (if you haven’t already used some) is just as important as your components. Make sure you get a handle on the peak frequencies in your room and first reflections if you haven’t already done so.

Other than that, yeah…a nicer power strip/conditioner would be advisable. At least a high current Chang Lightspeed, or a Puritan if you can swing it. You also do not have to pay a great deal for some well made/shielded high current power cables as well. You’d be amazed at the difference that alone can make for the system.

If you’re itching to change at least one component, others here mentioned purchasing a nice outboard dac and I’d have to agree that would be a fun and noticeable improvement. Holo Audio Cyan 2 is affordable but hits way above its class.