i had the jadis jps2 and ja 200s awsome combo. maybe try the jadis amps.cat amps and preamps are awsome as well. and of course the atma- spheres. i know every body is sick of me talking about them but tube research has no compromises. i dont think i have ever heard the pass labs warm and tubelike though. by the way nice system. you also said you did not think cables would make a differece. why dont you try straight wire serenade. for the money it is awsome.
Tale of the preamps
I ahave recently been bitten by desire to add greater detail to my system. I believe the musicality offered via Jadis JP80MC pre may be limiting frequency extremes and inner detail. I own CAT amps and Eidelon...I believe neither of these components are lacking in bottom extension nor well defined presentation. I have owned the Jadis for 5 years or so, with no desire to surrender the music for hi-fi. But....a friends system, Eidelons/Atmasphere MA1s/Wadia exposed an inner detail which gave birth to a new itch. The CAT ultimate has been strongly suggested, but some comments allude to a cerebral rather than visceral interpretation. Any suggestions, especially from those who may have heard the Jadis are appreciated. The world of give and take.