Breaking news (anyway, experience from last night).
I bought new speakers. they sounded excellent on my Townsend platforms. I took them off to try them coupled to the floor and while they were off I ordered some new feet for them. they stayed on the floor a few days and just seemed to get harsher and harsher. I thought "what have I done, my ears are starting to hear the harshness now. these speakers will have to go."
Last night I put them back on the platforms and I haven't heard a single harsh note since. I was reminded how pleasantly surprised I was when I put the platforms under my old speakers. One of the major tweeks I've made--at least major results.
Jerry