Plugin: W3 Total Cache slowed site down

Hi,

I tried the W3 Total Cache plugin after reading the general opinion that most people see good results with the default plugin settings.

The largest page on the website is http://thebeautifulhousecompany.com/properties-by-size/

I ran a speed test on it before installing the plugin – http://www.webpagetest.org/result/120207_HS_94190f797ed0c72f9a3d9a65548cf1ed/ which indicated a load time of 12 / 9 seconds for the 1st / repeat view.

I ran a speed test after installing it – http://www.webpagetest.org/result/120208_N6_358EF/ which showed 13 / 23 secs load time for 1st / repeat view

The biggest problem I see with the plugin enabled is the 7 / 19 second delay before anything happens. Without the plugin, the page starts displaying after .5 seconds so the user immediately can see the 1st screen

Do I need to tweak the default settings?

Cheers
Chris