Please Critique my Setup and Recommend Upgrade(s)

The c2600 is a tube preamp/dac. Isn't the mc152 a pro audio amp? 

Welcome to the madness! Once you begin on this audio journey, there's no going back!

You are getting lots of good advice here. In the end, only you know what 'sound' you like as it's a very personal thing.

I'll suggest a slightly different route. Consider a tube preamp mated to a pro audio amp (i.e. Yamaha, Crown, QSC, Soundcraftsmen, etc.). There is very good $ value to be found in pro audio gear. 

Just my own personal experience. I used to have a Mac C-45 preamp and MC-402 power amp. Had this combo for several years. Tried a Rogue Audio Pharaoh hybrid integrated, and it totally outperformed the Mac gear. Mac Combo= $12k.......Rogue Pharaoh= $3500.

I'll definitely check the 19's with a Mac amp next time I go and whatever else they have.  I did like the harbeth speakers too!  Different dealer.  Harbeths do cost more unfortunately, but maybe Mac is a better pair with them.  Too bad the Harbeth dealer doesn't have Mac too. 

thanks for the response back! 

I heard the ATC SCM19 v.2 recently at an owners home. If I was looking for a smaller 2 way they would definitely be on my short list. Clean powerful detailed and musical. Just bring the power they are not efficient. Not sure how they would pair with Mac. 

Hi, 

I've been trying to put together a system.  Harbeth shl5 plus > mc152 >  C2600 or C52.  Other speakers I've looked into are the Atc 19's passive and 40scm v2 passive. Do you think this would be a great match?   I mostly listen to jambands, progressive rock, electronic, and some classical.  I'll probably also look into 7ES3 too.  But I'll need a sub with those I believe.  From what I've been reading some people don't like pairing Atc with Mac equipment gear.  Is this true?   

thanks

 

Update:  Received the Devore 9's late last week and finally got to listen to them at length tonight.  They are definitely far more detailed and brighter sounding than my ELAC Uni-Fi B5s.  Listening to the new Wilco record it was quite noticeable how much more high-end detail came through the Devores.  With the Elacs, the cymbal work was pretty buried in the mix, whereas on the Devores it was extremely audible and up front in the mix.  My wife initially preferred the softer tonality of the ELACs, but then went back to the detail wrought by the Devores.  

I snagged a Moon 110LP phono stage for $350 new last week, and find it to be an audible step up from the Rega Brio phono stage in terms of stereo imaging and tonality.  I'm still running the Rega Brio as my amp...mainly because no one locally carries an amp I'm interested in, and I'm having trouble finding a dealer who will accept returns if the amp isn't a good fit in my system.  The new Line Magnetic 508 looks like a perfect fit given its extra power for a SET, but it is a bit out of my price range for the moment.  Also considering a used 518 or one of their cheaper models as well, i.e. 211ia EL34 or 216ia KT88.  I'm told the Leben amps are a great match for the Devores as well, but they are impossible to find used or even as a demo it would seem.  A few Devore dealers have recommended the class-A solid state Sugden A21, but I'm leaning towards tubes for a variety of reasons.  

Finally, I also experimented a bit with speaker orientation and acoustic treatment.  Running long ways, the room is 13x40' which meant I had to crank the speakers pretty high to load the room.  I went back to my original setup with speakers along the long wall and effectively making a 13x13 listening space. Frankly, I don't notice a ton of difference, though I do think it requires less volume.  I also removed my corner mounted bass traps to see if that would provide a more balanced low-end and a more realistic live sound.  Will need some more time to evaluate those changes.       

BTW-proper room treatment can turn a dog into a fox/really good sounding room. You can have the best components money can buy, but if your room and your set-up isn't good, you're  chasing your tail. 

As stated earlier,  there's no substitute for good components, however, u have to work with what u can manage, at the time. I used to hold with the idea-good front end-good backend. Sounds good for other apps too😊  You have to have a good source,as well as a good reproduction method. I'm 63 years old,  and I learn alittle each day. You're also gonna need a high current amp to drive whatever speakers u have. If you're going for the best sound, there's just no substitute. A lot depends on your room size. Even some of the cheaper reproduction devices have good front end. Concentrate on a high current amp that won't clip, and a good set of the speakers of your choice. The amp has to have "guts." Period. 😊

Disjointed hmm, seem like loss of emotional connection to the sound, try British blood speakers, KEF worth consider, lots of choices, Harbeth, ProAc, or even more specific a LS3/5A design speakers, it just need clean power for fabulous sound, matching also becomes easier as sound already tuned pretty much perfect if you got clean power to drive the speakers

Well that was a massive rethink!  Tube amp, huge speaker upgrade, separate phono stage... impressive determination!  Hope you enjoy it, and hope it sounds fantastic!

I've heard the Line Magnetic driving both Devore Gibbons, and O/93s and the combination, in my opinion sounds beautiful. Very lifelike and dynamic. I believe that you've made an excellent choice. Let us know your impressions once you get to listen. 

Good luck 

Latest update(s)...again, thanks for all your collective wisdom and advice; much appreciated!

1. I bought a pair of used Devore Gibbon 9's today that should be here later this week.  Admittedly, I'm having a little buyer's remorse simply because I think I paid a bit more than they are worth...but I'm excited to hear them nonetheless.  Of course, not one hour after I sent funds I got some really good offers on a used pair of O/93s and a demo set of O/96s, but the 9's were already pushing the budget pretty hard so it is probably for the best.  Details to follow.  

2. I snagged a Moon 110LP phono stage that was discounted from $700 to $350 from a local dealer just to compare it to the Rega phono stage.  Upon listening to a few records through the Moon, it sounds significantly better than the phono stage in the Rega.  The Moon has considerably more depth, stereo field is much improved, tonality seems less harsh, etc...Oddly enough, I started getting some static through one of the speakers after a few hours that seems related to the Audioquest interconnect I bought to connect the Moon.  When I swapped terminals the static switched to the other speaker channel.  Will sort that out tomorrow, but I think the Moon is a keeper.  

3.   Close to pulling the trigger on a used Line Magnetic 518 to run with the Devores.  Line Magnetic seems to be the amp/brand that every Devore dealer recommends, so I have no doubt it is a good bet.  I would love the more powerful 508 model, but I will have to wait until I can find a used/demo...at $5k, that is more than I can spend right now.  Looking at around $3100 for the 518.      

4.  Will likely keep the ELACs for my upstairs system as they really are very impressive for their price.  Plan to take the Rega Brio back to the dealer this week.

In case you are wondering why I ignored the sage advice of demoing to all this stuff locally before making a decision, what I found is that many of the brands I was interested in do not have a dealer in Denver/Boulder, and even if they do, the store doesn't stock anything.  I also feel a bit disingenuous using a dealer to demo equipment that I have little to no intention of buying brand new when I can get it for half the price used...wish me luck :)   

I recommend auditioning PMC speakers if you can.  They are top notch and very efficient.  Depending on the model they should work well with a 40 Watt amp.  I had a pair of TB2i's I was happy with, but then "the bug" bit me and I upgraded to something I had heard at an audio show.  I have mixed feelings about it now.....

529proaudio
if you diligently search the web there is a  good amount of info on the tekton line.  read it all carefully.  the info that I gathered helped me to make a very informed decision.  Take the money you save and then upgrade your cartridge.  You just can't go wrong on the Double Impacts unless you have a very small room.  Love these speakers more all the time.  Single best purchase in my 40+ yrs of audio.

Hi,
I'd suggest following the advice of hglaser above... emphasis on point number 1! That being said .. did an audio dealer let you walk out the door with a $4,000 turntable and a $400 pair of speakers? You've chosen good components, but at three different levels of performance. The best systems I've had, and heard, are well-matched.. not necessarily the most expensive. Just curious if someone tried to help you choose a good "system".
Jerry

You will be well served to evaluate some new loudspeakers keeping in mind the amount of space that they will have to fill. 
It is really often underappreciated what your choice of preamplifier and amplifier(s) can have in a system. There can be a terrific synergy between them and your loudspeakers or often times not.  Spec's are a starting point only, so let your ears be the final judge. 

529proaudio,

Welcome to the hobby.  You're questions parallel many I had about 18 months ago when I got back into it.  I think I've learned a few things, so here are my two cents:

1.  Take your time.  The reality is that getting good/great sound, in your room, is a multi-variate challenge and, unless you just want to throw a bunch of money at the problem and rapid-fire switch out components, it's important to try X and then consider result Y.  Trying X, taking into account break-in time, can require weeks or months.  And don't try to install more than one component at a time, or you won't know what the cause of the result you're listening to is.  Basic scientific method.  It is also common for flaws to emerge over a long time and multiple types of music.  So there is very rarely (but sometimes!) a singular "aha" moment.

2.  In general, people overemphasize hardware over software, by which I mean the set-up/calibration aspects of high-end audio, not music.  Hey, we're (mostly) guys.  So, big boxes with shiny knobs and flashing lights that can make a room go BOOM get everyone's attention.  But put great equipment, or mismatched equipment, in the wrong space and it sounds . . .  not good.  Imagine a Stradivarius in a phone booth, or a subway stop.  Just not going to work out.  Also, as seems obvious, manufacturers, and to an extent hifi magazines and websites, are in the business of advertising to "move the iron."  Set up and calibration just isn't that lucrative a line of business.  As someone else recommended, get hold of Jim Smith's book Get Better Sound.  And read it carefully.  It will be an education about the the importance of set-up and calibration.  This will also set you in the direction of room treatments and digital sound processing (for lower frequencies -- to defeat standing waves).  Many of Smith's suggestions cost nothing, or nearly so.  

3.  Sound is subjective.  Those who've recommended focusing on finding great speakers have an excellent point, for the simple reason that inferior speakers can become a step-limiting function that prevent you from hearing the effect of equipment changes/improvements up the sonic chain.  How could you possibly hear if a McIntosh or ARC amp was awesome if it was hooked up to poor speakers?  But you MUST listen to the speakers before you buy, or buy with an adequate right to return for a refund (30 days minimum, 60 days better -- remember break-in period plus trying different music types and volumes takes a LOT of time to do honestly).  Or, buy used speakers that are well-regarded and easy to resell for more or less what you paid, so you're only risking shipping charges and a bit of hassle running to USPS or UPS to try them out.  And, to be clear, you will make mistakes regardless.  So deep breaths and don't sweat it too much.  It's a hobby, not a living.  If the money really stresses you out, seriously consider another hobby.  It's supposed to be fun.  And also, you'll have to accept ahead of time that your tastes will refine/evolve over time.  So your perfect (and expensive) system of 2017 isn't likely to be equally satisfying by 2019.  Plus, the new stuff will be so shiny, with pretty lights.  :-)

4.  In general, used and reputable equipment in excellent condition is probably the best value.  Like the automobile market, buying used means you don't pay the 20 - 30% premium for just driving the equipment off the dealer's lot.  You'd be surprised how much awesome used stuff turns up.  But this means you have to be patient in scouring the websites and waiting for the right thing, plus if they're not "right" you'll have to re-sell and it's a bit of a pain.  But worth it.  There are several aggregation websites, like hifisharkdotcom that make this easier.  You can even set up search agents.  And remember the cardinal rule of buying on the internet:  buy the seller, not the product.  If you can't trust the seller (based on reviews and references), move on.

5.  If feasible in your area, join an audio club and go to a meeting or two to check it out.  Most members are knowledgable and generous.  They'll talk to you endlessly, they'll lend you equipment, they'll come over to your room to set stuff up and critique it.  Hell, they'd probably help re-level your house if you asked'em.

6.  I could recommend specific brands/models, but honestly without knowing your tastes and being in the room with you to hear the synergy, I'd be pulling recommendations out of . . . thin air.  My own humble opinion is that highly specific equipment recommendations over the internet are largely a waste of time.  There are surely great brands and models -- and many have been mentioned.  Maybe specific recommendations are a starting point, but nothing substitutes for empirical experience in your room, with your own ears.

Enjoy the journey.  And update us on how it's coming!

Cheers, Alex

Used is the way to go!  Here is my 2 cents:  (1) Sonus Faber Liuto speakers MSRP $5500 can be had for $2100 here on Agon.  Great sound on their own but you could add a REL sub and still be under you $3k budget.  (2) See if you can find an older Luxman R-117 (or even a 115) receiver for around $300.  This will provide a sweet silky sound and lottttts of dynamic power!  The tuner section is very nice so you get the bonus of of an additional source.

These will all be burned in so you know what you are getting at first listen.

The Tektons look interesting and say they are efficient, though they also say they can handle 400 watts at 4 ohms.  They offer a 60 day trial, which is generous.  Shipping 200 lbs of speakers back...ouch!

Not sure you can expect $400 bookshelf ELACs to fill such a big room.  You will be better served by a full range floor standing set. Forget sub and invest the extra into your main left/right channels.  

If you have a dealer in your area, there is no harm in asking them for advice.  They should know what speakers have good synergy with certain amps; maybe even your Brio.  Though, I am thinking to get the sound you are after in that large space, you will need something more than what the Brio can deliver.  At least you have started with a pretty solid analogue front end!

audition Nola boxers if possible. 

Ahh and Golden ear Triton 1. 

@529, Tektons have been around for a while. I am very glad I took the chance on them. IMO they will simply crush anything in and around the 3k mark. I've owned KEF Reference, Paradigm Sigs several times, Ushers, Dynaudio, Revel Performa, and some more I'm sure I'm forgetting. This is just my opinion the Double Impact as an overall package spanks them rather handidly. 

Speakers for sure.  We can nitpick and upgrade the whole system, but for me, your speakers are the weak link. I also thought about the cartridge, as it seems to be a bit outmatched by your table, but that I think can stay for a while. 

I dont know your budget or taste, but these two speakers caught my eye after a cursory search.  Both larger and more sensitive than your current speakers, and both a big jump up. Both in the 800-1200 price range on the 2nd hand market on audiogon.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-tannoy-eyris-dc3-floorstanding-speakers-pair-1862-2017-...

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-revel-f36-pair-white-2017-03-31-speakers-90710-harbor-c...

I think I would look for a speaker I liked and that the rega could drive reasonably well first. My next focus would probably be a MC cartridge and a phono preamp that can properly amplify the MC cart.  I would budget about $1000 for a new MC cart and perhaps $500 for a used phono preamp. I think that level of analog gear will be more properly matched to your table, and once you have found speakers, the source is the next worthy upgrade.

lastly, I would look at the amplification and cables.  All this of course assumes that you don't mind diving in and funding a total system upgrade!!  It certainly doesn't have to happen overnight.  But if you have the taste for it and want the next level in sound reproduction, that is the path I would follow in the months or years to come.

I agree with what several others have already said, focus on your speakers first...I've had Polk, B&W, Energy, Monitor Audio, Definitive Technology, Cambridge Audio, Event, BIC, Wharfedale, Sunfire, Pioneer, JBL, Bose, Pinnacle, PSB, and several others.  I have sold most of the above brands off, some of which I had more than one model, and have settled on KEF R300s, which someone above has already mentioned to you.  The detail and esp the stereo separation will floor you...I also have the R400 sub paired w/them, and am very happy w/this setup.  I also have the Halo P5 pre, which someone else mentioned.  I bought it mainly because of the built in crossover section...but be advised that the DAC in it stinks.  Of course, if you are doing a [mostly] analogue system, that would be a non-issue. I am using a hybrid [Vincent] amp that warms up the sound somewhat ~ overall, a very nice, detailed sound.  Oh yeah, I am not doing a turntable at all, I'm using an Oppo UDP 203 to play CDs, which I know is not very trendy right now.  How funny that now CDs are "old-school".  But some of the things you are looking for [stereo separation, big soundstage] I have in spades.  As you know, and many above have already said, it's primarily preferential ~ keep after it, tho, because you can definitely get the sound you want...you just have to keep experimenting. 
Well, that was a long and roundabout way of saying, I second the vote for the R300s ;-0

A lot of recs for the Tekton so far. Is this a new speaker company / design?  The only reviews I can find are kind of obscure home theater sites. 

If I were you, I would do this:
1. Get a sealed sub,put on a corner, not symmetricaly.
2. Put the best cabling you can afford from power cord to speaker cables, look for occ.
3. Try all the possibilities of the speakers positions.
Good luck!

Quickest bang for the buck with the amp you have Tekton Doubles

Also, just to be clear, the room is actually about 13' wide by at least 40' long. My designated listening area of the space is 13x13. 

I'll third the Tekton Double Impacts.  Huge value--maybe the biggest I have ever experienced in  over 40 yrs in this hobby.  Listening to them right now.  They  would be easily driven by your current set up.  (not sayin' you won't get the upgrade itch  once you hear these.)

Thanks again guys, really appreciate the advice!!!

As for the Rega Brio, I agree that it is a limiter at 50wpc for many speakers, but is it fair to say that upgrading to more efficient speakers would be as helpful as buying a more powerful amp, if not more?  I'm still new to speaker sensitivity and impedance, but wouldn't an upgrade from 85db to 91+ be the equivalent of running a monster amp with the ELACs?

I would guess I'm around 24 hours of music on the system, so I suppose I'm still in the burn-in phase with everything...again, the system doesn't sound bad by any stretch, but I'm willing to try a different amp and/or loudspeaker to make it really shine.  

HOLY S#!T, that's a lot of advice in 4 days!
This will be a drop in the bucket.
+1 for waiting until the system burns in, unless there is a 30 no risk return or something.
Starting with the best speakers is a well worn philosophy. In your case, however, the relatively low power of the Brio limits you. It won't be enough for the Vandersteen 2Ce, so it's already pushing you down to the 1Ci. So you've pretty much got to upgrade the integrated in order to broaden your speaker choice.
One approach may be to buy something like a used 100 W Rotel as an interim. It would power almost any speaker your going to look at, you could probably get one for about $250, (and sell it for the same amount when your ready), and they sound really good for the money. Something like a RA-1070 or even a receiver like the Rx-1052 (go with something like a NAD if you want a warmer sound) Shop for the speakers you really like, and then an integrated that brings out their best.
Also, you only mention the VPI/2M bronze as a source. The cartridge may take longer than the rest of the system to break in. Do you have a CD player? Is it giving you the same issues as the LPs?

Best of luck.

Ok...the VPI Scout Prime with an Ortofon Bronze (I am assuming 2M series since the Rega is only MM loading) is your strongest component.  I am wondering though, if you are limiting it by using the integrated phonostage of the Rega Brio.  I'm not a big fan of integrated anything, but especially not for the phonostage.  I'd maybe consider borrowing a proper separate phono pre-amp from your dealer.  A good all-rounder is the Sutherland Insight. Music Direct sells them and gives you a generous 60-day return period should you not be happy with it.  

Speakers are so subjective; not only is their sound a consideration, but their style also should influence your decision.  What looks good to me might not you and might not fit the rest of your decor.  I'm a fan of Martin Logan electrostatic paneled speakers.  They are not the most efficient and will get better the more power you throw at them.  They are very fast and accurate and provide a nice sound stage, but they have compromises.  Biggest one being there is a very narrow sweet spot for the listener.  The only cone speakers I would consider ditching the Logans for are Tidal or Aerial Acoustics (that I have heard).  But those are super expensive!!!  Looking at the speaker selection offered at say, Music Direct, I think Sonus Faber has one of the better reputations.  I've not heard them, but know the company is well respected.  Focal also, but the ones sold at MD are their lowest end (I think).  I'd look at Stereophile online and see what speakers they recommend in your price range.

Here is a link:

http://www.stereophile.com/content/recommended-components-2017-edition-loudspeakers#XA72TpL7A6pv5so2...

Kind regards,
Jason

We've upgraded many Debuts and Uni-Fis to ELAC's beautiful BS 403 bookshelf. It's $1000 in gloss black/white, and sounds considerably better than either one of the less expensive lines.
If you can audition that particular one, that's what I'd recommend.
I'd also remove all the treatment from the room. Get a baseline performance level that you're satisfied with just by playing with positioning of the speakers, then add the panels/traps if/when needed.

cheers,
alex

People will recommend what they have heard.  You. Red to expose yourself to as many speakers as possible. Look at those that are over your budget. Chances are you can find them used for less. Personally I think the Vandersteen ones and twos are a great sound and there are lots out there used. I have B & Ws which lacked bass added a used Vandersteen self powered woofer the 2WQ, which freed the amp from handling the bass Entire system sounded so much better. You might be able to keep the  amp and the Elacs with a self powered subwoofer. Also consider your cables 

Where are you sitting? What I am getting at is they are most likely too close try 8 feet apart, should improve your soundstage.  

Your speakers need a better amp to push them perhaps a very nice tube amp.  I know they can get expensive, but there are some that are very nice in the $2500-$5000 range.  

Bottome line better amp.

good luck and always buy quality!!!

Another +1 for Tekton Designs Double Impacts. Do some research, read some reviews, and get a pair in for a month or two. I'm pretty sure they will take things in the right direction. http://www.tektondesign.com/test.html

Bought them last week?   It can take weeks before all that new equipment burns in!  Its not going to reach its potential until it does.  Just adding one piece of new equipment into a broken in system will take it down a notch.  When everything is new?  Its going to take a while before everything settles in.  Most likely,  things will be veiled until it happens.

I used to have a 13x13x8 ft room. I had a pair of large speakers at 1st and I couldn't get them to sound any good. So I went with a pair of Totem Model 1's which are fantastic speakers, but I was missing the low end. After going thru different amps I ended up getting a Rel subwoofer to pair up with the totems. This allowed me to get the right low end without having to turn up the volume. Also, before I bought the Rel, I bought a pair of Totem Mani 2's which needed much more power and again I couldn't drive them in that small room. I eventually used the Mani's in a dedicated room that was 22x13 which sounded great.

If if you do look at larger speakers, I would go with a forward ported speaker that would allow you to put them closer to the back wall. I would look at the Usher Mini Dancer I. 

IMO there is nothing wrong with the VPi, you can always upgrade that later. 

IMO your turntable is your best component, so I'd vote to upgrade to floorstanders for more presence and a beefier amp to match. Get a used pair of Spendor A6 speakers or go for the KEF R500.

BTW I'm actually going to listen to your very turntable/cartridge combo tomorrow! I've got Spendor D9 speakers and the Chord CPM-3350 amp.

I tried the Rogue Sphinx hybrid at my dealer but the Rega Brio was better with the ELACs. He has a Cronus Magnum that I can try, but he told me the phono stage wasn't all that great. Not sure if he meant in comparison to the Brio or just in general. 

Still thinking that upgrading to a pair of more efficient and better speakers would kill two birds with one stone as the low power of the Rega Brio wouldn't be as big of a deal. Still, I wouldn't be caught dead playing a solid state guitar amp, so something tells me I'm going to really prefer a tube amp when I finally hear one. 
 
Been crazy busy but hope to check out a few places this next week. 

I recommend the Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II, or the Prima Luna Dialogue Premium, if budget permits. The ELACs should shine with a gutsy tube inegrated. The Magnum II has an improved phono stage over the original, by the way. No phono in Prima Luna though.

acoustic treatment...room placement...component matching...especially speakers...though some speakers seem very sensitive to these, and others much less so, though always important...some speakers seem to always sound good even if mismatched with amp and room, and others only sound good if perfectly set-up

"I'm kind of blown away to see so many setups with uber-expensive gear and zero acoustic treatment"
Excellent point, so very true. Amazing isn't it? So much $ spent on gear, little-to-nothing on room treatment.
I'm equally guilty. Been in this hobby since the 70s. Always bought gear, never any treatment. Just recently started adding treatment and really spending time dialing in the best speaker and listening seat positions for my dedicated 14x14 room.
I've read the setup is at least 50% of the sound you will get.
I believe it.
I highly recommend Jim Smith's book Get Better Sound.
Lots of great posts already, bunch of good people on this site, lots of great information.

Tom

You need to think of the speaker/amp as a combination. Given your size room there are many speakers that can be driven to very loud levels with 50wpc, however not all. Also must consider the sonic synergy between both components. I would take the amp to dealers when auditioning speakers. then you will know wether you need upgrade both. 

"nix the ELACs and invest in some more efficient and higher end loudspeakers,e.g. Devore, ATC, ProAc, etc?"

Yes. If your budget allows I would go for Active ATC SCM25A, 40A or 50A. Of course it will be night and day. 

2nd
Tekton DIs

Hey guys, can’t thank you enough for all of the sage advice. Much appreciated! I experimented with a few things today and am definitely getting a better sound. I swapped out the generic loaner phone connect for what appears to be a much better, albeit far from boutique, phono connect from Pro-ject that my dealer highly recommended. Next, I moved the speakers back a bit and placed them wider which has certainly opened up the image and enhanced the low end a bit. For reference, they are 32" from back wall to front of speaker and 39" from side wall to front of speaker. I don’t feel that the acoustic treatments are overly absorbing the room necessarily, as the sound is still what I would consider bright, almost too much so. I do think it is pretty accurate as I’m not getting any early reflections from the 9’ ceiling or the side walls and the bass should be pretty well trapped in all of the corners.  Scrolling through the pics on this site, I'm kind of blown away to see so many setups with uber-expensive gear and zero acoustic treatment.   

Despite the noted improvements, I’m afraid I’m already addicted to this and am still very curious to hear what a truly high end loudspeaker and/or amp combo is capable of. Thinking seriously about jumping on a used set of Devore Gibbon 9’s, but am having a hard time spending that kind of money on speakers I’ve never heard...especially until I’ve had a chance to check out some of the other brands suggested here.

Thanks again for all the suggestions.  I really appreciate you taking the time to support a ’total newb’ as my 8 year-old son would say.

Best,
Chris

Have you listened to your current setup sans the acoustic treatments?  My thought is you are over-damped for the space.  Take them all out and listen.  Then start adding back a piece or two at a time and see what you think is better.