Yep, it worked!
What worked you say? Pontus ==> LP/Gold Lions ==> Lazuli Ref ==> Utopia/Elex pads
Utopia bass cannons
Well, not really, but very satisfying bass: 'Friend of the Devil' from 'Dead Set', 'Thousand Year Prayer' from 'Open Road', 'Calling' from 'No One Built this Moment', 'Rescue' from 'West'.
Each piece of the chain helped. LP was the last bit to fall into place -- 100+ hrs on amp ~50 on tubes.
Best part is still tons of detail, same small, precise stage, great vocal production (Lucinda's vocal inflections on 'Rescue').
I suspect there are those who would say that it's no longer a Utopia, but who cares!?! Loving the sound!
BTW, 'West' is a great album. Highly recommended!