need advise, which is the weakest link in my audio chain

@nagasakti70 

Perhaps a corner set up would work better than the standard set up. Have you tried it? Good luck ! 

Tough room! Demo an Anthem STR pre with room correction.

@nagasakti70 just curious how thick are the absorption panels. You mentioned the sound becomes dull when you place the absorbers on the side walls. Also what is the material used in the panels? If it’s foam it would explain the effect. With quality absorption on side walls you should hear more focus and details in the soundstage. So something is off…

+2 @baylinor 

Only thing I can add is maybe try headphones.

I would continue to work on your room.

Looking over your equipment. I would say, given what you have said, Bryson is probably not a good match for your tastes (or mine). While quiet and detailed, they are pretty analytical and the opposite of sweet and musical.

While upgrading your DAC will gain you a lot. I think the first thing you want is to get your central components correct to your tastes (preamp and Amp). I think you would be much happier with a tubed preamp (as high a quality as you can afford)… and a warmer amp… since your speakers are 88db… not tremendously efficient, you will probably have to use a solid state amp (tube would be preferred, but I am guessing a good 60wpc tube amp is not in your budget)… you want a warm amp… things like Krell, Pass, and CJ come to mind… probably above your budget. Some folks hear can probably recommend some lower budget options.