What did you replace your Aerial 10T's with?

Nice system. The amp is a sledgehammer with not much finesse, however the cables are nice as is the preamp. I would not go with tubes...the Ariels need power. ..before you change out the speakers, try a different good amp. (I'm partial to Ayre, but there are others) It isn't too difficult to borrow an amp and try it in your system to hear if you like it. Also, go to the Vandersteen.com website. Take a look at the owners' manual for the 5A. There are graphs and suggestions about speaker placement that really might help if you can incorporate that within your room. I did that with my speakers and they sound great.

..just more thinking. I too have high ceilings.. they aren't cathedral but are 14 feet high. I can't tell you enough how the midrange changed when I installed drapes by the windows. These drapes are very light and gauzy..they are silk and linen and just are on the sides of the floor to ceiling glass wall...and one on the side of the glass door that goes out to the pool. Anyway..these 3 pillars of material brought the focus of the speakers to an all time high. I was amazed...my wife didn't want the acoustic engineer's suggestion of ugly traps, and resonators. I am very pleased with the simple drapes.

My 10Ts are staying, however I recently had the opportunity to try a pair of Avalon Radian HC in my home for two weeks. The WOW factor was very high. If I had the money these would be the replacements for the 10s. They may not play as low, but they do everything right.

If you are a drummer, you would like the Escalante Fremonts, which were designed by the guy who designed the Wilson Whaam, WattPuppy 3 and Grand Slamm. Mastering engineer Steve Hoffman owns a pair, as do reviewers Greg Weaver and Dave Thomas. Because they are 93 db. sensitive and use a unique woofer loading, they are really fast and very dynamic, even with little power. They are somewhat controversial because they have to be used with the right electronics and are sensitive to set up, but they are a great speaker if used properly. I have had mine for about six months. Here is the Weaver review: http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue26/escalante_fremont.htm

I see you mentioned digital room correction. The room is a bigger factor than I ever imagined. I would definitely try some form of digital correction first. If you're still not hearing what you expect, then spend the big money on some new speakers.

My system isn't quite the level of yours, but it is pretty good, and when I added a TacT RCS 2.0 EVERYTHING improved.