Evaluation of my 2ch system

Wow, these are all great responses and worthy of reply.

   First, I am setup using the Cardas Golden Ratio method for my room dimensions.  
It’s interesting, even though I have the big 15” speakers in the Tannoy and Klipsch, I find theXT8f provide more bass than the other two and find that they pull me into the music more.

ghd, your statement gives me pause, because when you say “unique”, it makes me think that you feel that something there may not be a good pairing, and that is exactly the type of input I am looking for.

table, that is exactly what I tell myself.  I know measurements matter, however, if feel that regardless of what measurements tell you, your ears may not agree.  I feel that is what makes this hobby so personal.  I have 60 year old ears that I have tried to protect, but we can’t outrun time.

dtorc, you must be a speech therapist or some facsimile thereof.  In my years in this hobby (and I am no expert, just a guy who enjoys listening to music), I have never heard those descriptives used;”splosives and fractives”.  I always hear the usual terms used, but you piqued my curiosity and I looked those terms up.  I feel those are much more relatable and easier to discern and gives you something that is really easy to hear, so thank you.  
   You mention that imaging is separate from Tone, Timber and Dynamics, why is that, are you saying essentially “you can’t have your cake and eat it too”?  I genuinely ask that as a question because I don’t understand why if that is the case.

hilde, no I haven’t measured my room, I wouldn’t know where to start, seeing asI live in rural Idaho.  I may be wrong, but the world of measurement seems to be another hobby entirely, which I already have many (woodworking, mountain biking, hiking, shooting) and requires a level of investment that my wife would probably red me the riot act if I so pursued.

   All that being said, I just feel that something may be missing, and I wonder if it’s the DAC, I am not sure, maybe play with  an R2R?  I am tempted to play with speaker placement, as the golden ratio may not be the end all as I always thought it was, especially how prevalent it is in nature and beauty and mathematics!  

All of your insights are greatly appreciated!

Nice system !!! I agree with trying to move speakers around, change toe-in etc...the Golden Ratio I think is merely a good starting point...and very likely each of your speakers needs something different...

Have you considered adding a sub or two? Your room has a fair amount of cubic volume (high ceilings). Your also limited to placement options whereas subs can be positioned properly. Seating location is also critical. The Tannoy XT8F are great speakers but you could fill in the very bottom end.  Subs would also help have better scale at lower listening levels.

They are -6db @32 hz. A sub would add weight and body to the music. You should call REL and talk to them.

That is a very nice room size, higher ceilings than many of us.

I encourage you to take some photos (phone camera photos are good enough) and post a Virtual System here.

my main system

https://www.audiogon.com/systems/9511

Once I learned how, I’ve gone hog wild posting this and that.

https://forum.audiogon.com/users/elliottbnewcombjr

Well, in my compromised rooms, I have found that the set up that favors tone, timbre and dynamics sometimes comes at a cost of imaging. For example, to get that thicker, richer tone I love, I might have to move my speakers a little closer together than would be best if having a big soundstage was your priority. For me, I don't care very much about imaging and soundstage, so that's what I do. 

I have an audio friend who optimized his system and room for imaging, and it is very impressive! Living beings playing instruments in his room. Almost creepy. But for my ears, it felt a little threadbare tone-wise. 

Some people have spaces (and skills) where they don't have to compromise. In my reality, I seem to have to make choices, and I have. 

I hope you don't have to compromise much...

David