Lots of good advice above. Just to chime in on the Plinius amp. I have a similar amp, and it is a dark-sounding amp. Totem speakers, I presume not bright. The two matched up together are supposed to give a warm sound.
Verdict - speaker placement and room are the culprits, unless you are looking for a *very* warm sound.
Verdict - speaker placement and room are the culprits, unless you are looking for a *very* warm sound.