lots of options

On most music i don't miss the timing but on some, in particular things that rely on timing for drama e.g. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon's movie soundtrack - song 4, which are all drums...it just wasn't snappy enough to re-create that drama, the sense of 'urgency' that the song is trying to potray. I'm not sure if this is clipping but I don't hear enough snap - which is a critical component for emotional involvement.

big money to get a 'active' pre that doesn't overly-colour.  But system matching at the end of the day.  Still waiting for a Music First to try.  My impression of normal passives exactly like yours...tonally dry, lack of dynamics, no emotion.

placement - same experience...I have mine 28-29inches out (60-70cm) from the back.  But limited by the practicality of the room..but will keep trying.

what speakers are you using these days?