Thank you very much for the feedback. I will try the monoblocks first, and plan on a new preamp in the long run.

I'm very limited as far as placement in my current arrangement, but I've done what I can. I was already about 6 inches away from the back wall and several feet away from side walls, but I moved the speakers even further forward, and it did seem to help a little. Once my basement is finished, I'll be moving the system down there, and I'll have more room to play with.

Thanks again for responding! This is a great community.

C.V.