Can Some one share a Sr+HDRI workflow?

I recently started using HDR with solidrock and I can't get it to look good.

when I add the HDR to enviroment (in addion to a sunlight) SR's AE tool makes the sence too dark (probably from all the light) and the outcome is dull.

I can manually change the exposure but then whats the point of SR.

is there a way to use HDR without loosing SR AE tool?

Thanks.

I would use a target direct light instead of the sunlight.

Why is that?
what is the important difference?

The sunlight illuminates the whole scene and produces washed out shadows.
Maybe thats why your images have such a low depth.

HDR&direct light

Thanks man!

That really sorted some things out.

I'm still not sure why I should use directional light rather the the VRAY sun
I actually like the idea to use 2 different HDR for environment and lighting.

10x.