What to do next . . .?

>> Last night I tried the Denon unit. I can't say I heard any really noticable difference.

Bingo. That is what I was saying above. And I can assure you that it will be the same story even if you get whatever it is that you want as a digital source, short of a cost no object design. But if you wait long enough, there will be enough people who question your findings ... did you use the right cable, did you use the right power cord, etc. etc. I say you trust your ears and as suggested above, you can try this out with a $30 DVD source also.

As far as the room is concerned, the easy thing to suggest is to change it. But in the real world, we have to make do with the rooms we have. I have found that a good tubed preamplifer makes a significant difference in the quality of sound.

Another option would be to consider an intergrated. I am partial to the sound of the Ayre Ax-7E integrated. It can be had for around $1800 used. This integrated really opened my ears, so to speak, as to how critical amplifcation can be in determining the final sound of your system.

Thanks

Get a CJ pre to match the amp.

In order:

Change the room for something bigger with unequal dimensions.

If you can't change the room, get some smaller speakers that don't go down so deep. I had the 2CEs in a 11 x 17 room and they overloaded the room with bass. They are also fussy re vertical listening axis and this is related to listening distance.

Once you get this right, work on the preamp and the source.

If you are interested in trying a different more modern CD player I would recommend an Arcam FMJ 33 0r the FMJ 36. Compared to a variety of players I was supprised at how well it performed in every area. It may tame the bass making a it bit more tuneful in your room and provide a bit more air and detail. Didn't see any used for sale on agon at the moment but have seen them go for a very reasonable prices in the last few months here.

Please do one change at a time and get confortable with that one change first. I would not get rid of the CD or DVD player. What I would do first is get a good DAC and use the CD player or CD player as a transport. The DACs that are in CD players or DVD players are typically (note I said typically, not always) not of great quality, because the power supplies are really not up to snuff and other things are not quite high-end quality in the internal DAC. Borrow a decent DAC, plug it in and you will hear a very marked difference in the sound quality. I guarantee. If you don't have the money for a new one, many used ones are available on Audiogon. For example, a Theta Gen V dac is wonderful for only a couple of hundred bucks. Heavy as a power amp with a power supply and internal circuitry that is high-end. Try it. I wouldn't change anything else until I add the DAC first. Don't change the pre-amp or power amp or speakers yet. One change at a time. Add the DAC first. Borrow and listen. If you can't borrow, then buy a used one inexpensive on Audiogon before investing large sums on something that you can't hear at home first.

enjoy