So the answer to the topic question IS.....ME!

Yessir, apparently the only thing that needs adjustment is my brain, and perhaps my ears. I got the amp back from the shop a bit ago and they confirmed that I basically shouldn't own a calibration disc and will be sending someone out to collect my SPL meter.

A friend of mine has told me that different amps have different gains, regardless of power ratings, and settings can vary from one calibration to another due to minor differences in room conditions and other things.

Regardless I got my new mains (B&W 604's) and all is well. I've resigned myself to the fact that I shouldn't nit-pick, turned up the main settings, and am now enjoying as I should've been. Only problem now is the damn 990 is out and I'm thinking I really *should* get the most out of the speakers (although that new Arcam unit looks enticing too).

Thanks to those who responded.