Bigtee,
Funnily enough, I had the exact opposite experience. Goes to show how the same component in different systems can yield diametrically opposite results.
My System consists of the Cary 308T, Joule Electra LA150, Plinius SA250 monos, Magneplanar 3.6 and a pair of Vandersteen 2Wqs, DH labs revelations, and biwired JPS labs Superconductors . I guess my tube heavy source favors the JE. The calypso sounded good but a little too dry, The JE had no trace of hardness in my system. As an aside, the wadia 861 (which I also auditioned) made my maggies sound very clinical.
I would expect the warmth of the Vandersteen 5a ( in my opinion probably one of the finest speakers made) would mesh well with your current set up.If you want a lovingly cared for Linn LP12/Ittok, let me know ( it's mothballed right now). Like you I took the plunge into CDs but have not succumbed to SACDs and the like, hence my quest for a vinyl sound from a digital rig.
Cheers
