Quote:

I'd upgrade your room acoustics so you can hear exactly how each piece of equipment really sounds


What does that mean? Is the reason I can't hear how my economical receiver is affecting my signal because I don't have any room treatments? Even with ideal acoustic treatments in each, room A will sound different than room B.

I'm on the side of those recommending a speaker upgrade first. While the room is very important, your speakers are what will make or break your whole system. Just look at MarkSJohnson. He's got the world crappiest room but he still loves his Axioms.