I use a CRT monitor for most of my critical work, I find they still have the edge for quality reproduction, top quality LCD displays are far too expensive for the average serious amateur. I've just had a look at both your images on my CRT monitor and find the second one is far better than the first in contrast, sharpness and colour. My monitor is calibrated regularly and is automatically re-set daily. I have also viewied both images on a good quality graphics LCD display, ViewSonic VP930, I find they both lack the visual punch and sharpness I get on my CRT.
I use Quick Gamma v2.0.0.3, it works far better than Adobe Gamma and is a free download with full instructions from the following web link.
www.normankoren.com
Also loads of other tips and tutorials for setting up your monitor correctly. One thing to remember if you use this, you must disable Adobe Gamma first.
Incidentally, some LCD displays cannot be adjusted for Gamma, contrast and brightness, they are factory set.
nirofo.