I lied to myelf, an AVR alone just isn't enough. Back to perfection.
EqualizerAPO + REW FIR EQ ➟ Denon X3700 PureDirect Preamp ➟ Audiophonics NCx500 ➟ Nubert NuVero 170 PSA for Windows users: Install eAPO and uninstall original APO when setting up a device! See here