My dunlavy scV sound harsh

Which Onkyo pre/pro are you using? I own an Onkyo SR-706 AV receiver (does duty in my HT setup) that I have used both alone and as pre/pro w/ Rotel amplification. I know it is an unfair comparison of an AV receiver with a dedicated pre/pro, but I have definitely found the Onkyo to have a "glassy" and somewhat harsh sound quality. I am currently auditioning some integrated amps- and the difference is considerable.

Have you heard your speakers sound more to your liking with other amplification? Perhaps when you first auditioned them?

Class A solid state or high powered tube gear would be best.

We also know nothing about his room... the room acoustics can make or break a stereo. Even the best stereo in an average room will sound no better than so-so.

Can you share pictures of how your room is setup? My guess would be that is the main issue here.

Dunlavys need a VERY large room to breathe, especially the V's and the V1's. I would suspect that your up-line components are also NOT up to the task of driving the speakers well and frankly agree with the other posters.
If you have a VERY large room, maybe the amp is straining to drive the speakers resulting in distortion.

I have had the Dunlavy SC 5s in my reference system for about 10 years. Through this period I have upgraded and changed out componets and cables. Every step has been positive with the speakers accurately reflecting these changes. I once dropped a Phillips CD player into the system while the Audio Research unit was being repaired and it made the system unlistenable.

Overall, the Dunlavy speakers are the finest tools for listening that I have ever come accross in my 40+ years in this hobby. I have come to the conclusion that the speakers are pretty much absolute, with everything else being variable.