I am enjoying my analog system, but what can I do to improve?

A small pair of fast and musical subs will upgrade your sound — not only by an increase in bass extension. The signal to your mains will be decluttered, especially with tubes. They will be perceived as quicker and more precise.

I don't need any more bass; I got plenty with Bass Focus. I think I figured out part of the problem. My Sound Lab speakers are too dynamic for my tiny room. I did all the room treatments I can do, so I can't go there. I think I actually need a lesser quality ESL speakers, with reduced dynamics. I have the opposite problem than most people. I will start a new thread on ESL.

Thanks everyone, I learned a lot.

I beg to differ with your conclusion and your plan. There’s virtually no such thing as “too dynamic “ in speakers, and ironically one criticism of ESLs by those who dislike them is that they lack dynamics.

what you might consider is a smaller pair of full range Sound Labs or a refurbished and upgraded pair of Quad 57s. Be prepared in that case for reduced bass extension.

But reduced bass extension might not be noticeable in your small room. You started this thread by asking for more “realism”. The road to realism does not run through reducing dynamics. The essence of live music vs any home audio system is the incredible dynamics of the live experience.

@lewm, what is happening is that loud passages sound too loud, so I turn the volume down. When I do that, quieter passages are too recessed.