A suggestion I would make is to try, experimentally, moving the speakers several feet out from the wall which is behind them. See if that makes a difference in the "energy" you perceive. If it does, you could then perhaps place absorptive panels on the wall and achieve similar results with the speakers in their present location. In my experience, close-to-the-wall placement can be problematical with many or most speakers which are not specifically designed for it.
Also, the Stereophile review you linked to mentions optional tilt-back bases. Not sure looking at your photo if you are using those; if not I would think that they would improve time alignment/phase coherence between the drivers, which in turn would improve transient response, which in turn could very well correlate with perceived "energy" in the music.
Here is the relevant paragraph from the review:
Setting up a pair of 2Ces is more complex than setting up an ordinary pair of floor-standing loudspeakers, but not difficult enough to confuse anyone conversant with the replacement of a light bulb. I strongly recommend that the owner's manual be followed closely on this. It is very thorough, especially in the important matter of tilt-back of the loudspeaker to attain the proper vertical listening axis. You will really need the optional base in order to do this correctly and retain good stability for the cabinet.
The 2Ce owner's manual also provides detailed recommendations for loudspeaker placement. For my listening, the placement I have found optimum for most direct radiating loudspeakerswell out into the listening room and away from the side wallsworked out fine.
Best regards,
-- Al
