Reading your post reminded me of this exact dilemma about 18 years ago. I had some Klipsch speakers that sounded okay, much better with a receiver than separate components. I decided that I needed to update my audio system to a much more current with lots of bells and whistles. I ended up purchasing a B&K ST-140 amp paired with a PT-3 pre-amp also from B&K. The components were so much better in providing a clear audio image but after about three days I became displeased with this as well. I returned to the audio store and spoke at length about my displeasure after spending right at $1000.00 on separate components. The rep followed me to my home to look at my set-up and check for any mistakes. The only thing that he heard was my speakers were not sufficient to provide at the level that I am wanting.
Coincidently, the rep just happened to bring a pair of 1st generation B&W 805's. We hooked these speakers up to my system and I was just dumbstruck! The level of clarity was just astounding. After listening to these speakers for 15 minutes I was hooked. I bought the pair that the sales rep had brought. He did go back to the shop and purchase the appropriate cable to bi-wire the speakers as suggested by both the sales rep but by B&W as well.
Hope this helps.
Coincidently, the rep just happened to bring a pair of 1st generation B&W 805's. We hooked these speakers up to my system and I was just dumbstruck! The level of clarity was just astounding. After listening to these speakers for 15 minutes I was hooked. I bought the pair that the sales rep had brought. He did go back to the shop and purchase the appropriate cable to bi-wire the speakers as suggested by both the sales rep but by B&W as well.
Hope this helps.