Integrated amplifier for Fritz Speakers

Okay Everyone,

I need your assistance!

The Fritz Carbons are in their final resting place at my wife's inherited home.

The front wall is15 feet wide and the side walls are 20 feet long, with a six foot opening on one side.

The backs of the speakers are about one foot from the front wall. They are about eight feet apart on either side of a cabinet/electric fireplace that is about twenty inches deep.

The speakers are about ten feet from the listening seat. I cannot adjust these logistics. The boss is surprisingly comfortable with the setup as it is...so I will not start a regional conflict. 

Using a Azur 640 CD player (15 years old), Axiom II passive, and a garage sale Niles 275 amp.

Detail is there, bass is there, soundstage is there, and no treble nasties.

BUT it sounds sterile.

I inserted a Soekris 1421 DAC. No real improvement. Maybe the Azur is not that bad...? 

What are your suggestions?  Is it the source or the amp?

Right now, I am listening to my main rig: Zu Audio Soul Sixes (as I argue with myself about Forte iv's {still a bit too "hot"}), 12 gauge copper wire, via PS Audio PMT, Mojo Audio B4B, Don Sachs pre, and First Watt F7. Ice Age interconnects. Sounds great, liquid, and violins are sweet. Nothing fancy. It makes me listen all of the time. 

Please and thanks!

Dsper

If I were you I’d strongly consider trying the Glow Audio Amp 1 with the Fritz.

Glow Audio Amp 1

I don't know your amp, but a passive pre can make the sound more detailed and immediate but also a bit sterile sometimes IMO, try to replace the Axiom with the Don Sachs and see what happens. Also, any single piece of cable, connector etc., including the electric outlets, can change the sound in many ways, including making it more sterile, so I'd also try switching every single cable with those from the main system, one by one. My 2 cents...

I imagine the Fritz speakers would also sound wonderful with the Don Sachs pre and F7 amplifier. 

You know, I love my Luxman but in your situation I might be tempted to find something really juicy like a Conrad Johnson integrated.