Focal Kanta 2 and CODA 16 amp

There is definitely no shortage of effort on your part to achieve the sound you are looking for. Thanks for the thread, always good to read what other audiophiles have been doing in their journey to audio nirvana.

 I removed the filter yesterday and what do you know: the system sounded even better. 

As many have said, once one has the level of quality hifi components that you have acquired in your digital chain, everything matters. I have recently been reading on another forum about what many claim is such a huge difference with just the DC cable on the linear power supply on the modem. Crazy to believe. I don't even have a linear power supply on my modem (yet).

There are no shortage of variables to play with, 

Yup, choice is good. Here is another variable: Software

 I don't believe it was discussed previously, but at times, on certain tracks, I have found Squeeze was a little too hot, and going to Roon smoothed out some high frequency energy, similar to going from Telefunken to some "lesser" tube with less transparency and less high frequency extension. I would think Conductor is similar to Squeeze. 

Enjoy the process!

Removing the Muon filter was a good idea. 
I would also suggest to go back to all stock power cords to get a benchmark and to hear if any of your power cables negatively impact the sound. 

Hmmm, stock cords in place of my eclectic collection of name brand cords, eh?  Interesting idea.  I am fearful of what I might find, as the popular, well-reviewed cord(s) I once revered could be a dud and an impediment. Or, it could reinforce my faith, knowing that "better" cords are indeed better...

Fear not. The stock cords give you a reference point and sometimes help determine your next move. I’ve used this method more than once and it proved worthwhile in understanding what cabling the new components may need. It never convinced me that stock cords are better but it did point me in a right direction. Amplifier is the most impactful change in a system after speakers. You have worked hard to voice your setup and achieve synergy with your mcintosh. Now you need to do the same with coda. 
I went thru few amps in the last couple of years and I can tell you every amp change triggered additional changes including repositioning speakers. It’s never plug and play. 

Thanks for the inspirational talk on the sidelines, coach. Now it's back into the game!