Looking for more transparency.

I would agree about a power conditioner, though not as insistent on the brand and model.

I would look at upgrading the AC. Duplex outlets, power cords. All can increase transparancy, clarity

I fully agree the cables should be pre-broken in. (cooked) Particularly that brand!

Mentioning the equipment is only a few months old.. Yeah, it took a long time,  more than two months for my new speakers to really break in. And being retired I am listening eight to ten hours every single day!!!  
My pile of Furutech AC duplex also took a very long time to all break in. I would say, now from first few purchesed in late July 2018  with a few in August and a few in September.. they all finally have fully settled down like January!

rvpiano, glad it is coming together for you.            
My ARC Sp-15 I use mainly for the three tube phono section (6DJ8) takes over an hour to sound good. Most of the rest of my stuff stays on 24/7.

The one area cheap wire can sometimes beat the high priced stuff is speaker cables.              
Not always, but often enough. Good Luck!