I ve had a number of music systems since I was a kid, most all pretty low-fi stuff. The music has continued to be paramount for me since my first lp purchase in about 1970. For about eight years or so Ive been working on variations of my current system; I had posted an earlier version but there have been many changes since that time. During the past several years I've gone through a couple different NAD amps and cd players, an ARC VT60 and a Njoe Tjoeb 4000. The SP9 MKII has been with me for a few years and I have had the 2ce Signatures throughout all iterations of this system. While the Parts Connexion mods are just breaking in, this Hot Rodded SP9 MKII is already an excellent performer and, I expect, will likely improve during the first few hundred hours. The room treatments have helped open things up nicely. I feel that all of these pieces work very well together. The room is a 10 by 25 dedicated listening room. I look forward to having listening sessions. The recordings continue to be the most important part of the system.
System edited: I am looking to make a change in interconnects. My budget will be less than $150 (used) per pair for 2 pair. I like the overall character of my system but wouldn't mind a touch more in the midrange.
Speaker positioning has been a lengthy process. As do many others, I feel that very small changes can make very significant changes. Probably like you Vinylmatters I would prefer my room to be a few feet wider. However the location of my room allows late night listening without bothering anyone else in the house.
I have a similar-sized room (11 by 22 by 10) and, although not ideal, great sound can be had with proper speaker positioning and a little room treatment. I've done a little tweaking to my room this winter and hope to have new pix up soon.