Need help determining next upgrade - 3rd ATTEMPT

Nice link Rodman, I'll research room treatments. Also have looked at power upgrades. Entry level looks like $800 or so for new power strip/wall plug/cables. Also have gotten an estimate to run a dedicated line. Schubert, planning to audition the new Focal 906 standmounts. I run a 2.1 system so full range speakers are not totally necessary, providing I can integrate the sub with the new set...

Actually, it could be a number of things....one, or many. I would start with the simplest at first ..... cover any windows (glass), aim the speakers at your listening position, put resonance control feet under your turntable, cd player first...then preamp, and power amp. That will get you better sound....then upgrade (not necessarily more expensive) power cords. Power conditioners never worked for me.

Have you played around with speaker location, like maybe a few feet from rear wall or so? Possibly a tad closer together in conjunction as well. Speaker location relative to walls is a big factor usually for good separation and sound stage. With that, can also come less congestion and better detail.

Start with a good mono recording and get a solid and focused image between the speakers first. Then try some things in stereo. IF mono recordings are imaging clearly that is usually a good omen for stereo.

After that, you might try some sound absorbing panels or other sound absorbing materials or room items at first reflection points along the walls based on your primary listening position.

Then any other tweaks if still needed from there.

Wolf-Garcia, as usual, has told you like it is .
I've been listening to speakers for fifty + years, 98.9 % of the time a smeared or "washed" out sound on massed strings in a symphony is traceable to a cheap crossover .
Cheapest brands I know about that don't use them are Silverline and Totem.I suspect Focal doesn't as well, I know my Focal Titus 202 monitors don't smear.

Another vote for room treatment. I was very surprised at the improved resolution room treatment provided. I would put acoustic panels ahead of any new equipment purchase and even ahead of optimizing speaker placement since acoustic panels could well alter your optimum speaker placement. I called GIK Acoustics and also emailed them a diagram of my room. Their technical people were very helpful. I ended up buying 2 corner soffits, 2 bass traps (for wall behind speakers) and 4 regular acoustic panels for side walls. These made a very enjoyable difference. Good luck to you.