"Still not getting the sweet sound I prefer"..........If by 'sweet' you mean rolled highs or midrange warmth, I'd agree with Zd542. It is very hard to change the fundamental sound of speakers by changing amps etc. That said, however, IMHO the electronic's you seem drawn to are not noted for their warmth. Detail, transparency, speed, etc, for sure. Warmth, not so much.
FWIW I've never thought that panel speakers matched to SS amps, etc, were a match made in heaven for folks who want warmth/sweetness. But if you think a tubed pre-amp will do it look for something that is noted for it's warmth/sweetness
not its transparency etc. ARC would not be my first choice buy some margin, neither would a Modwright, fine though they may be.
FWIW I've never thought that panel speakers matched to SS amps, etc, were a match made in heaven for folks who want warmth/sweetness. But if you think a tubed pre-amp will do it look for something that is noted for it's warmth/sweetness
not its transparency etc. ARC would not be my first choice buy some margin, neither would a Modwright, fine though they may be.