Does this mean I need Pre Amp w/ AtmaSpheres?

System is GNSC modded Wadia 850 running into Goldmund amp driving Talon Audio Hawks. CD also drives directly 4 Entec subwoofers. I tried a pair of Atmasphere M60 amps w/ Zero autoformers earlier this year. With the subwoofers off, each amp had its own pros and cons. With the subs on, the system sprang to life with the Goldmund. The bass seemed better integrated and springy, and spaciousness was much more clearly portrayed. The Atmaspheres sounded a bit lifeless and dull. I did prefer the upper midrange of the atmaspheres. I'm wondering if this is due to my Wadia not being able to drive the amplifiers and subs, or is this just the nature of tubes vs. solid state? Should I give the Atmas another chance w/ a Pre? (It's a pain, because the dealer's far away).