Why not stay with the Operas? I don't know the Emeralds but the ATCs sound stunning with well recorded material. But I also haven't heard your amp, and yet I know Operas are always meant to sound kind of laid back, so maybe that's a synergy you want to keep. ATCs need a monster amp to sound best, and are not often described as polite, really. Perhaps also look at Spendor.
An audition is always better.
An audition is always better.