New TT-- new problem

Hello all,
I'm a recent vinyl convert and have just upgraded my analog front to the VPI Scout with the JMW-9t tonearm and the Soundsmith Aida moving iron cartridge. I also use the Boston Audio carbon mat, which I also used with my previous tt. The rest of my system consists of:
Soundsmith MMP3 phono preamp
Rotel RA-1062 integrated amp
Totem Acoustics Hawk speakers
Kimber SilverStreak interconnect from tt to phono amp
Audioquest Copperhead interconnect from phono to main amp
Monster entry level (around $150 if I remember correctly) speaker wires.

My previous tt was the Music Hall MMF-5.1 with a premounted Goldring GL 2200 MM cart. After I got the MH, I stopped listening to my CDs; the sounds of course lacked the dynamics, clarity and lower end tightness of a better setup, but the warmth, lush character of the sound and a lack of any harshness, which would make me want to listen for hours with no fatigue, just blew me away.

Needless to say, after I upgraded to the Scout and the SS cart (plus adding the SilverStreak), I expected to be blown away again given the step-up. No so. Perhaps it is a mental factor of my great expectations, but I'm hearing exaggerated highs and loose end, and the overall sound lacking the involvement I had experienced with the Music Hall and the cheap Goldring cartridge. Another factor is that I am a perfectionist and a novice to a tt set-up and I've been very frustrated with not being 100% sure everything is set up as it should be.

I had the cart mounted by my dealer, who also set up the tonearm, including the VTA. I have since tinkered with the VTA to see whether it makes any difference, but I've yet to hear it. I also tried to correct the azimuth as it looked as if the cart was leaning slightly to one side. (As a side note, the user's manual VPI supplies with the Scout is nothing short of useless. In my opinion, it presupposes analog acumen well beyond a novice, but then states what must be rudimentary knowledge for any more advanced vinyl lover. It makes no mention of the VTA, for God's sake!) As a result mu frustration has grown as I'm not sure whether everything is set up optimally. The tonearm/cartridge match should be good given the effective mass and compliance of the combo and according to the resonance chart Michael Fremer emailed me. Same with the load capacitance of the cart (100 pf) and the preamp (also 100 pf).

I wonder if it is possible that the cart needs to break in; also the Silver Streak are considered rather "hot" and emphasizing high frequencies, at least until they break in. Also, the Scout sits on a rack with metal frame with glass shelves, which doubtless doesn't help. I've ordered a cutting board from Michigan Maple and Isoblocks from Mapleshade Audio, which hopefully will help with the apparent harshness of the setup. That said, I still can't quite get over the fact that a much more inferior tt and cart sounded seemingly warmer right out of the box.

Finally, I wonder whether the upgrade simply exposed the limitations of the rest of my system, and it was ultimately a mistake to replace an $800 package with $2800 worth of analog equipment without upgrading the amplifier at least.

I apologize for the long post, but as fellow audiophiles, I hope you can understand my disappointment and offer any advice or suggestions. Thank you very much!