I don’t have the experience and knowledge of those who have been advising you, but I know ‘too much gain’ when I hear you describe it. I’m in the camp of, ‘the speakers aren’t the problem’ — the amplification is. From what limited experience I do have, I can tell you that getting a cartridge level signal up to the point that a power amp can use it is a non-trivial process. I’m sitting in a 10’ x 10’ room myself, so I know what you’re dealing with. It is a near field listening situation. The dipole speaker needs a good distance behind it; but I agree with the fellow who wrote that is what a ‘live’ experience is all about. I would listen to the recommendations of those with experience in the electronics (I.e., the fellow who recommended the Pass Labs solution, or similar), that is, several comments have focused on a ‘mismatch’ between your turntable and your amp. You have budgeted 7k, surely you can improve that end of things before you ditch those wonderful speakers.
Just my thoughts, for what it’s worth.
By-the-way, I’m enjoying vintage Warfedale W70E speakers in my 10 x 10 space (15” woofer + 5-1/2” midrange + 1” Mylar tweeter fed by a Rogue Audio tube amp, controlled by a McIntosh C100 preamp). I have discovered that the preamp’s MM phono stage out-performs my ELAC Alchemy PPA-2 phono stage. From which I conclude that ‘synergy’ is something that manufacturers as well as users seek.
Bottom line, I think you find yourself at a point that many of us audiophiles can identify with. It’s time for a rethink. Do you start at the source, or the speakers? Judging from the comments so far, I would start from the source. I agree wholeheartedly with the fellow who counseled trying a new turntable (if it comes to that) vs. replacing the arm, cartridge, etc. But getting from the cartridge to the amp sounds to me, again, judging from the comments so far, is where you should focus your energy (and money) first. From all reports, you have some awesome speakers and an amp capable of driving them.
The other course of action counseled switching to a single-ended triode tube amp, but then it may well not drive those speakers, or may not be appropriate for the music you prefer to listen to, although I do believe that setup may well be appropriate for your room. It is something to consider as an alternative.
I hope my thoughts help your deliberative process.