It is neat how there is such a difference in amplifiers.  You could tailor the crossover to sound better with what you have now, but when you get a decent front end, they will sound lifeless.

Just like Mike S. was saying, there is a helluva difference with amplifiers.  When I first designed my mains, I voiced the crossover with my Dynaco ST-70.  It is a very smooth sounding amp with a rolled of high and low end.  I got the crossovers perfect and was happy for a few years.  When I built my SS amp and hooked it up, it sounded a little harsh at first.  Detail and resolution was light years ahead of the Dynaco, but it could be hard on your ears at high levels.  A few tweeks of the crossover and I was good to go.  Tubes sound good with horn loaded speakers.

It is really important to have a good amp and CD player/turntable.  Your best bet if you can't afford a good pre-amp is to just build an attenuator using decent quality resistors and connect it between your source and amp.  You won't get the most gain depending on your CD player, but you will not loose anything either....

Brian-  Post those pics if you get a chance!

-Mike

Some pictures...