Definitely a bad set-up and I wouldn't be surprised that it was cable related too. I've been listening to Plinius amps for over 10 years now and with regards to their reference products they are very hard to beat. They possess a very fine sonic balance and will effortlessly drive dificult loads.
They are also a GREAT match with ribbons and electrostats.
A friend of mine is currently driving his vintage Infinity IRS Beta's with an SA-REF for the ribbon panels and an SA-250mk4 for the woofer towers using the BAT VK-52SE and the VK-D5SE player..The synergy is heavenly.
Uninvolving, dry, lack of speed and articulation were never traits of Plinius amps..!
AG