HELP Why no bass? Why bright?

B&W makes bright speakers, the arcam 65 is a bit laid back and was probably covering up for them. I think you have the right idea on the bass being more controlled or perhaps the brightness is just distracting you. I'd switch to speakers that match your amp or change amps again, I guess you found a bad combo. If you want to mess with the decor you could try room treatments, but don't expect much from break in. It's just a scam to keep you from returing an item while you still can. Electronical components don't have moving parts so they can't really 'break in', some amps are known to 'warm up' which makes sense since heat affects conductivity, but how this affects sound is beyond me. If it sounds bad now, it will probably sound bad later on.

Ok, looking at your current equipment and needs I'd recommend the Wharfedale Pacific Evo 300. It's Bi-wireable so you can bi-amp, has a soft dome tweeter so no harsh brightness, and has tight defined bass. It's also a damn good looking speaker IMHO, and it's kevlar drivers and real wood veneer will resemble the B&W. You will give up some of the speed and details of the B&W, but I think the Wharfedale's smooth presentation will win you over. Check them out at IAGamerica.com

one last thing, if you do move to the wharfedale keep your DH labs silver cables, a bright cable will be a good fit with a laid back speaker like these.