trying to upgrade speakers

And you didn't consider the Spendor 8se's to be an upgrade? Maybe try the older Sendor 1/2's (there is a dealer in southwestern CT - not far from NYC) or the smaller version if they have it. I think this would give the bass and midrange you desire. BTW, have you listened to Vandersteen's at Audio Connection in Verona?

Pam, i've been around music all my life. I'm a musician, an audiophile, sold retail hi end audio for a decade and nothing I have heard anywhere near the price equals the GMA product line. You simply must hear these speakers.

definately consideres spendors to be an upgrade
but i then heard about the green mountain callistos
which i also checked out. also heard the devore gibbon 8
which i also liked. unfortunately i cant hear them at once with the same equipment so im uncetain about making a decision.
i also may have an opportunity to trade in my musical fidelity x-150 for an a-5 (MF) but was also thinking about checking out tube integrateds such as the prima lunaprologue two or the pathos acoustic clssic one.