Newbie with "bright" system

MacM, thanks for the tip. I have, in fact, been looking into some used HT Truthlinks based on info found here and reviews. Would it be better to buy a pre-amp first before working with cabling? Thanks, Mark.

I appreciate the feedback so far. I knew the "Nak" was a weak link, but this system pulls double duty as a HT rig. Have been looking at pre-amps and have read glowing praise for the BAT VK-3i in my price range (used). Does anyone have experience with this pre-amp in a similar system? Does it have a "HT" bypass like the SFL-1?

Oh yeah, my amp. I bought the 4BST used here with an estimated 60hrs on it. I've since added about 40-50 hrs. Chstob, thanks for your input (noted after my last post). Do you have any recommendations re: a tube pre? How much of a role does isolation/dampening play in performance? One dealer thought my first move should be to get a proper rack (Of course his favorite was Sistrum, for which he is a dealer).

Thank you very much everyone. Wow, I'm offline for awhile and return to this great advice. I used to dabble in hi-fi (mid-fi actually) in HS and college. School and work requirements forced a hiatus. However, I am now re-entering through the back door of Home Theatre (perhaps one of its benefits to HE audio). I just added to 4B ST for two-channel and bought the Arcam (used) a couple of months ago. These changes really floored me and have now sent me on the quest.
I live in a small apartment and my stereo is in a 15'x12' space at the end of the main L-shaped living space. So, I unfortunately do not have room (or money) for a separate 2-channel system and room treatment options are very limited. The floor is carpeted and there is a lot of soft furniture in the space. The walls are plaster and there is a marble fireplace at the first reflection point for my right speaker. I know, far from optimal, but there really is nowhere else in the apartment I can move the system. I have experimented with speaker placement and toe-in with some success.
The rack is an industrial metal-wire rack with flat feet (no cones) and I am not using any dampening/isolation devices. I am using a Monster Power HTS-3500 for my CDP and receiver (pre), but not the 4B ST.
So far, I am leaning towards some HT truthlinks as an interim change until I can afford a decent rack and then a pre. For the time being, money is pretty tight, so I hope to make incremental, high-value changes through research and the experience I have found on this site. I'm grinning with the knowledge that my modest system has a LOT of room for inprovement. Think of all the CD-pulling, listening sessions I have to look forward to after each upgrade! (helps ease the wallet sting:)
Any additional insight/suggestions on the path of musical fulfillment are warmly received. Any advice for this 'yung grasshoppa' on how to keep this hobby from becoming a financially-draining obsession that alienates me from all friends and loved ones - or should I just make peace with this right now? Happy Listening, Mark.

Thank you Dekay and MacM for your posts. I need to remind myself that my enthusiasm should be directed with a little patience and fiscal judgement. I am planning to order some Vibrapods tomorrow. I will play with those while I keep an eye out for some used Truthlinks. Hopefully, this will help maximize my system while I save for the rack and pre-amp. Does anyone know of some relatively cheap, non-invasive (live in apt) room treatments/tweeks? Thanks again. Mark

Just a follow-up: First, I want to thank everyone for their input. It is encouraging to know that I am not embarking on this odyssey alone. I purchased the Vibrapods and am using them on my CDP -> AMAZING what $30 can do for you with the right information. Imaging and detail improved dramatically and the system sounds much more tonally correct with guitar and pianos (with which I am very familiar). Nonetheless, I was still plagued with some high-end harshness that brought on listening fatigue at moderate listening levels. Next, I just added some HT truthlink IC's from CDP to receiver (pre). I have only had them in the system for about 2 days, but my initial impression is that, while it does tame the "brightness" somewhat, I have lost a little of the "shimmer" and detail of cymbals and high-hats. Bass seems slightly improved, and my soudstage is significantly widened, especially with midrange/voice. I ended up purchasing the HT's (good price), but the dealer "cooked" them for me with his demo disc. Overall, I am very pleased with changes in sound quality. I have taken to heart the advice that I should seek to maximize my current system before adding to it. Next, I plan to provide a stable platform for my entire system (and stop stacking!!!) with a rack - considering Salamander Synergy/Archetype. Thanks again, and as before, any additional insight/suggestions welcome. Happy Listening, Mark