After having:

1) changed speaker cables
2) changed speakers
3) angled my speakers carefully, both horisontally and vertically
4) placed heavy weights on top of speakers
5) added Nano-Pads under my speakers
6) added Nano-Pads under my CDP
7) changed interconnects between CDP and AMP
8) added great power cable to my CDP and AMP
9) burned cables and speakers somewhat in
10) filed the tip off my cantilever
11) added DIY bass traps and absorption to the corners/walls

I feel that I have gotten a large part of the way for a reasonably small amount of money. I measure it by being able to play still louder without hearing disturbing/unpleasant elements in the music. (and I'm NOT going deaf)

The music (from most records) is cleaner and clearer than ever before (= detail guy) and as such, I enjoy my records the more as a result of that. I can recommend spending a bit of money and time on those subjects.