Mel, just a brief comment on amplifier comparisons(which really should be double-blind to have validity). If as you say the Axiom amplifier was about 2dB louder(apparently because of higher gain with the same voltage input), this would easily be enough to explain a report(not that you made such)of "wider sound stage" (which amplification as such has no ability to accomplish), clearer highs, stronger bass(both highs and lows are more prominent at a higher listening level), and other differences which amplification doesn't affect. This is why one of the basic requirements in blind testing of amplifiers is that the levels be matched to within 0.1dB.
