Advice about warm, gentle speakers...



Help. I need to use a home theater system for 2 channel music. The system is based on a mid-level Denon DVD player and a Denon receiver and right now the ONLY variable I can change is the brand of front left and right speakers (presently Paradigm Titans). I would like to get something that can soften the digital glare (besides turning down the treble!). The speakers need to be either monitors or small floor standers and I am aiming for a price less than $4,000 new or used. Finally, I am not in a location where I can audition different brands so I hope to narrow it down to a few choices for in-home trials. I listen to all types of music but not louder than about 80-85 db. From reviewing the forums it appears that more “serene” brands include Green Mountain, Spendor, Sonus Faber and Vienna Acoustics. I really appreciate any input on this—thanks in advance for the advice.
aitchnu
try to listen to the Quad "L" series (at least the 12L or the 21L) To my ears, using a new rotel receiver, they are full sounding and laid back but detailed and have never uttered a discouraging word. The fit and finish are well above the price too. Milo
Thanks to everyone for the excellent advice. I appreciate the thoughts on changing speaker position, room acoustics and electronics but my problem is that I cannot mess with any of these variables—I can only change the speakers (It’s a long story--I used up my family’s tolerance for audio craziness with my main rig that includes tube equipment and full range electrostatics. If I started cluttering up the household home theater with audiophile stuff I would be exiled--my only option is to fiddle with the main speakers to try and tame the sound). I will definitely look into the various suggestions--I am very intrigued by the recommendations for the Polk and SF brands as well as the others.

Thanks again to all for taking the time to reply to my question and thanks to Audiogon for providing such a great resource!
The other brand that comes to mind is Vandersteen. Not sure if they will work within your space constraints, however.