This is an extremely common problem call sibilance. The problem is that our ears are most sensitive at frequencies in the 3 kHz to 4 kHz region exactly the same frequencies reflections in most rooms are loudest. It is more common with dynamic speakers with broader radiation characteristics. Horns and planar dipoles are not so affected because they are directive. The solutions are use an EQ curve with a Gundry dip in it. Or get down with some room treatment. You need to put absorption at all first reflection points walls ceilings and floors. Or you could get yourself a set of horn or planar speakers but you might still require some room treatment although it should be a lot less. I Use 8 foot tall ESLs 36" wide. The only room treatment I needed was three rows of 4" foam acoustic tile directly behind the speakers. Still the occasional recording will cause some sibilance due to the way they were mixed.
Midrange Increasingly Harsh
Lately I've noticed some harshness in the mid-range, especially with violins, clarinets and female voice. I recently bought a CD of female plainchant, and she hits the un-sweet spot so frequently I can't listen to it. I don't listen at high volumes, rarely over nine o'clock on the volume knob. The sound is not anything unnatural, just a less musical presentation and an unpleasant harshness.
I have twenty year old Forest Totems with their original cones, a Prima Luna Dialogue One amp which got new tubes about five years ago and an Arcam CD-73 which got a factory rebuild about three years ago. I have neither the money nor inclination to just start arbitrarily replacing parts, but would appreciate some insight and guidance on likely culprits.
Thanks,
John Cotner
New Ulm, MN