System assessment...

This is a special situation that I have experienced of late but that no one else is mentioning.  Everything about your system sounds pretty good to me, but for us retirees thought should be given to things we can't change.  Ourselves. If you consulted an audiologist (you can't be far from Madison) you might get an idea about what to do with your system.  All my life I have laughed off all equalization and balance controls.  Not any more.  Now I can adjust things so the center vocals are back in the center and maybe I can do something about making those sibilants stop driving me crazy.  These can be easy fixes that don't require too much messing with your speakers (especially) or electronics unless adding a tubed front end like me might liquify things a bit. I have a hybrid integrated coming with some equalization available but using or not using that will just be an exploration (like everything else).  If you don't want to go see a doc (unfortunately I see one in the mirror every day) get a pair of Apple Airphones Pro, now on discount about $160, and do the Hearing Test app they've just enabled.  Don't worry.  You can still enjoy your hifi just as much.  And then you can mess with your equipment if you like.  By the way, going to a live concert, unamped, is a pretty good idea as well. 

If you want to add warmth, I’d go with an all-tube integrated in place of your hybrid.  Issue of course is your speakers are pretty inefficient -85 db, 8 ohm (but dips to 3.2) so you’d need a tube amp with guts.  That would also require a new DAC, but I’d guess that’s your system’s weakness anyway (emphasis on “guess”), and there are alot of nice sounding DACs that don’t cost a ton. Octave Audio and Audio Hungary are two tube integrated brands that come to mind for me. 

Greetings,

I find this discussion quite interesting, especially Mapman's comment regarding DSP. I know nothing about Roon or DSP, but having the ability to customize the SQ is certainly intriguing. After reading a little bit, does Roon automatically come with DSP? Do you need to purchase a Roon server? I currently have an Aurender A15 which is Roon ready. (whatever that means) Last question. Is it advisable to use a separate PC to run Roon?

Thanks to all!

I won’t change anything on your gear, maybe try some interconnect and power cable.To just experiment what happen.Most cables company and dealers have return policy. Since you are retired you have the time to listen.

@lovehifi22 

DSP is part of Roon when you buy the license and during free trial.
 

It’s a total game changer.  I have stored DSP corrections for 5 different rooms at home and a similar number of headphones.  
 

 Definitely worth the time to learn how to use to get exactly the sound you want.   The specific equipment used becomes much less relevant.

Roon runs on most common home computer devices, including Windows, Mac, smartphones, tablets and most any hifi streamer worth its salt these days.   
 

Roon core is the server component.  You can run it on specialized hardware designed specifically for it or most any decent home PC or Mac.  I run my Roon server on a small desktop PC that I also use to work remotely, etc and that works quite well.   
 

Hope that helps   Check it out!  Free trial period available still I am pretty sure  so nothing to lose