My dunlavy scV sound harsh

Was the front end ever mentioned? CD or SACD etc...?

John Dunlavy tested all his speakers in a well damped acoustic chamber.Treating the first reflection points with broaband absortion as well as the rear walls is important for a neutral speaker in my bare room (16X19X8)and hardwood floors.
Add a wool or Persian rug for the floor.

I brought home a used pair of SCIII's for several weeks and at first couldn't listen to them for more than half an hour. With the above DIY treatments the brightness was greatly improved.

Also make sure they are on the long wall spaced about 10+ feet apart and seated 12+ft. back. Tow them in so just the inside edges show. The scV requirements may differ for even greater spacing.

A systems can only sound as good or bad as the set up, the Dunlavys are the least of your concerns. The Onkyo is not worthy of the Dunlavy. They are special speakers and deserve far better electronics than even what was comparable price wise to mate with them. Improve your front end, get some room treatment.This is for any speaker you use not just dunlavys. The Dunlavys really the deserve the best components to get the most out of them.