Thank you for the very insightful replies, and the mini history lesson.
I've never really measured this room...yet, but it is on the small side. I don't perceive it as a lively room, a bit on the dry side but not dead. The current speakers are about 6.5 feet from each other, within a foot of a wall, with my listening spot around 9ft (+/- a foot) from them. Luckily for my future self, the downstairs and one side neighbor; "ear bleeding" levels are NOT being considered. :-)
I will get to audition the amp this Saturday and I will keep your advice in mind to check in what condition the electronics are in.
darren