@peterjc That's helpful information Peter. It really helps focus things as far as what options you have. Given your limitations on your room, this may be a bit of a challenge. Our musical priorities and living spaces can change over time. My original concern for you was not to spend too much cash on things that may not be a "fix" for you. I think any changes on the front end and amplifier will be subtle compared to say a new speaker or alteration of room acoustics. I personally would want to do an in home audition of any gear that is suggested. Tubes can be wonderful but I have heard tube amps that were less smooth and more up front than some relatively affordable SS gear--so no guarantees that is the fix. You would have to try it. But will it be enough?? Only you can be the judge.
Back 40 yrs ago (arghhh!) I had a pair of Altec Lansing Santana II's, Great rock and roll speaker. Would love to hear them again with some of my old LP's. While they sounded great with some recordings, they just had too much edge and listener fatigue with others. It limited my musical enjoyment. So on I went to a pair of Magnepan MG-1's.
So you said you "don't hate nor dislike" the speaker. My question is do you love them! If not, under current circumstances, maybe another speaker would allow you to enjoy all of your music.
But for now, keep doing what you are doing. Tweak the damping of the speaker and horns. Keep playing with placement. Don't rule out fashionable or portable acoustic treatments. Some can look pretty cool. Lastly, I would look at associated equipment. It seems to balance out a bright room and a bright speaker, any gear would have to be rather colored to accomplish that feat. Would be really nice if you had a dealer or local audio buddies that could let you the benefit of home audition before you spend your $$. Let us know how it turns out and good luck finding what you are after Peter.
