I'm not surprised that you have to use the tone controls set they way you do, as Herseys are extremely colored with a balance that leans towards the mid and upper mids. Nice speaker late at night and at low volumes but they fall apart when pushed and have no usable frequency response below 45hz and that is being generous.
They do respond well to tweaks and can be tamed. The caps probably need to be replaced in the crossovers, which may further throw the balance off. While you are at it you can change the internal wiring and stuff them with acoustic insulation, to get another 4-7 hz of bass.
Getting them off the floor at least 18 inches will dramatically improve the soundstage. They are a fun speaker to have a fling with but I found them to not meet my needs for a long term relationship. Your feeling may differ, though.
If you can pick up a Melos SHA1 I found it to work well with them. YMMV!
Enjoy.
They do respond well to tweaks and can be tamed. The caps probably need to be replaced in the crossovers, which may further throw the balance off. While you are at it you can change the internal wiring and stuff them with acoustic insulation, to get another 4-7 hz of bass.
Getting them off the floor at least 18 inches will dramatically improve the soundstage. They are a fun speaker to have a fling with but I found them to not meet my needs for a long term relationship. Your feeling may differ, though.
If you can pick up a Melos SHA1 I found it to work well with them. YMMV!
Enjoy.