Hi Jeff,
I tried out the 1038 Be2 as well a couple years ago. I found them too bright in my space also. In addition....I was quite disappointed in the bass for three 7 in drivers. A few months ago a nice opportunity came along for some Wilson Audio Sophia 1s. Although I believe the tweeter is still Focal, it is titanium and is much more smooth in my system. It is laughable how much improved the low end and overall sound is compared to the 1038s. My space is large at around 16x40x10 with the speakers at one end facing across the 40 foot area. This ad below has been on here for quite a while. Wilson had some mfg issues several years ago and are such an amazing company they have corrected all these regardless who's hands the speakers are in. This pair has already had that corrected and are like new. This is such a nice sounding speaker...I truly believe I have the speaker that will keep me smiling for decades to come. Good luck!
Dana
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa3beb-wilson-audio-sophia-full-range
I tried out the 1038 Be2 as well a couple years ago. I found them too bright in my space also. In addition....I was quite disappointed in the bass for three 7 in drivers. A few months ago a nice opportunity came along for some Wilson Audio Sophia 1s. Although I believe the tweeter is still Focal, it is titanium and is much more smooth in my system. It is laughable how much improved the low end and overall sound is compared to the 1038s. My space is large at around 16x40x10 with the speakers at one end facing across the 40 foot area. This ad below has been on here for quite a while. Wilson had some mfg issues several years ago and are such an amazing company they have corrected all these regardless who's hands the speakers are in. This pair has already had that corrected and are like new. This is such a nice sounding speaker...I truly believe I have the speaker that will keep me smiling for decades to come. Good luck!
Dana
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa3beb-wilson-audio-sophia-full-range