I originally had the speakers only about 6" from the front wall. I moved them out so that the back of the speaker is now 14" from the wall. Distance from the side walls is 40" to the tweeter. Also turned down the gain on the sub (although the frequency cutoff is only set around 40hz). That all helped. I have acoustic panels on order to put on the walls directly behind the speakers (wife approved!), and am making the tube traps for the corners nearest the speakers. Guessing this will all go a long way toward taming any remaining muddiness.
Assuming I've got the acoustics in reasonable shape, that still leaves the question of speakers: if I like the sound of the Jades then moving from 1s to 3s is perfectly reasonable. But if I want more "warmth" then the small Spendors and eventually the Harbeths is the route. I realize that I really need to hear these speakers so buying the 3/5s to audition them is an option. Then I'd know which sound I prefer in my own room with my existing gear. Worst case is I put the 3/5s back on the market and buy the Jade 3s. Thanks for helping me think this through.
Assuming I've got the acoustics in reasonable shape, that still leaves the question of speakers: if I like the sound of the Jades then moving from 1s to 3s is perfectly reasonable. But if I want more "warmth" then the small Spendors and eventually the Harbeths is the route. I realize that I really need to hear these speakers so buying the 3/5s to audition them is an option. Then I'd know which sound I prefer in my own room with my existing gear. Worst case is I put the 3/5s back on the market and buy the Jade 3s. Thanks for helping me think this through.