Maybe if possible before you commit to speakers is to borrow your buddie's preamp and see if the culprit isn't that. It would be easy to do, and worse case it confirms you are on the right track.
For speakers, I agree Vandersteen is a good mellow option, especially the older ones. Cheers,
Spencer
For speakers, I agree Vandersteen is a good mellow option, especially the older ones. Cheers,
Spencer