My transparent Audio ref XL complete loom of wires and power products basically expanded the scale of the sound stage for every recording overlaying it with a sameness. The wires specifically emphasized low frequencies and high frequencies for enhanced detail, but removed what I would describe now as rich tone and mass from the lower mid range upper base.
I owned the same cables for a long time. Fortunately they sounded great and did not have the problems you outline - I listen a lot to chamber music and dislike bigger than life or inadequate sound stage. Never heard that these cables enhanced high frequencies, some people complained of the opposite. It looks that your Sublime Sound sounded very inadequate and dingy.
With my limited exposure at the time, I thought this was all a good thing, but then I started listening to more small and large scale classical live music. It took me a long time to realize that the wires and power products overlaid a sameness to everything and enhancing while at the same time diminishing. Over time and increased exposure, I abandoned the products for stock power cords, and more conventional wires.
They played only their best cables and solo cello. It sounded good but larger than life. With my lack of knowledge, I attributed the scale to the large speakers. I learned over time and with comparisons in my own system what the cables were doing. The constant need to recalibrate the cables was not welcome. I learned and moved on.
It is a hobby of searching and enjoying. At some point I stopped searching and continue to enjoy.
