Drastic - Thanks for your comments about the room, but as I tried to indicate previously, further work on room acoustics is not possible, for domestic reasons. Further, as noted, I've already treated the windows, the floors are covered with rugs, there is a fair bit of sound-absorbing furniture in the room, and oil paintins on the walls. The room is not ideal, but equipment I've heard in showrooms does not sound substantially different than in the room. I think the real issue is this: My ideal for hi-fi sound I'd like to listen to is mid-hall Carnegie Hall, and most equipment does not lean in that direction (and the same is often enough true for recordings). And, indeed, you're quite right, I AM trying to use not only the amp, but every piece of equipment I own, as a tone control, in the broadest sense (encompassing timbre, top end, bottom end, etc.). From time to time, I see comments that suggest that there is something wrong with that, and I just don't get it. It's as if there is one only one absolutely correct and ideal system sound, and if my system deviates from that, then I'm doing something wrong. I don't buy into that for a variety of reasons, but that's another thread.
Semi - Thanks very much for letting me know about the BAT vs. the ARC. I'm glad to hear of someone who's heard both. I've wondered if I might like the BAT 75 non-SE better than the BAT 75SE? I understand the SE extends the treble, etc., and am fearful that I may find that less to my liking.
Lissnr - Thank you for your comments about VTL - but I'm puzzled. As noted, I'm now listening to the VTL ST150 (which I think is 6550's) in triode mode. It's really very good in triode mode, I must agree. However, if I'm finding that to nevertheless seem a bit on the bright side, wouldn't I likely feel the same way about VTL's EL34-based gear? That assumes there is a "house" sound for VTL, but maybe the EL34-based gear sounds a bit different?
I'm in the process of looking into older CJ's, by the way. It's been on my list as a possibility for a year or so--now might be the time.
Many thanks to all, and I'm looking forward to any further suggestions.
Semi - Thanks very much for letting me know about the BAT vs. the ARC. I'm glad to hear of someone who's heard both. I've wondered if I might like the BAT 75 non-SE better than the BAT 75SE? I understand the SE extends the treble, etc., and am fearful that I may find that less to my liking.
Lissnr - Thank you for your comments about VTL - but I'm puzzled. As noted, I'm now listening to the VTL ST150 (which I think is 6550's) in triode mode. It's really very good in triode mode, I must agree. However, if I'm finding that to nevertheless seem a bit on the bright side, wouldn't I likely feel the same way about VTL's EL34-based gear? That assumes there is a "house" sound for VTL, but maybe the EL34-based gear sounds a bit different?
I'm in the process of looking into older CJ's, by the way. It's been on my list as a possibility for a year or so--now might be the time.
Many thanks to all, and I'm looking forward to any further suggestions.