Considering A SS amplifier

Actually I have a First Watt F7 that I am not sure if I tried it with the Halcro. I think I will put that together this afternoon to see what it does. 

So I have the F7 hooked up for about 3 hours now. Its starting to warm up and settle in. The top end is where the majority of the difference is, just more nuanced and delicate. The edges of notes arent rounded off, has a more honest feel to the music. With the JBL this is a better sound. I got some Maggie 1.6QR with Skiing Ninja xovers which are better suited for the BHK. Horses for courses thing it seems.

Hi again Neonknight,  Just noticed I have the exact same room set up as you...stereo  furniture, components and TV on long wall, speakers and fireplace on short end wall.  big Room 18 x 40.  I have nice (AU24 SX) power cables and interconnects, and they made a huge difference. My speaker cable runs are 35 ' and 25'.  After talking to many cable companies, I decided not to make them the same length, so my runs are 25 and 35'  I cold not spend for good cables at this length, so made my own from 8 gauge copper from a 100' roll, and soldered nice banana plugs with Cardas Silver solder.  I think it sounds amazing, but of course have not tried nicer speaker cables.  My cables run into the wall, down to the basement, above the drop ceiling, ad back up through the floor.
I liked your 'soft around the edges' comment..spot on.  And the Preamp noise (hiss) made me drink as well!  Take care!