Go ahead, hang blankets on the side walls. You’ll be amazed.

Had Pass Labs Aleph equipment until 6 years ago when I replaced it with Devialet 400 monoblocks. Used them in a 12 x 23 x 8 shared space. Recently moved to a new house with space for a dedicated listening room and decided to return to my analog roots in an end-game way. Went preowned on the electronics and still spent a lot but the music is remarkable. A lot of credit has to go to the luxury of a dedicated room and the opportunity for abundant acoustic treatment. Did not plan it this way, but my budget turned out to be about 1/3 preamp, 1/3 amplifiers, and 1/3 room treatment. I believe the room treatment made the biggest difference. For those starting such a journey, simply taking care of the first reflections off the side walls and perhaps the floor will make an audible and likely convincing difference.