LAST WORD:
Well, that's it. On the advice of folks here I updated my cd source and my integrated amp. And the speakers arrived today: Monitor Audio PL 100 II.
And the whole system at about 60% less than regular price, since I got all the pieces on this site. All of them look and sound new. All transactions were easy.
Amp is Sony TA1
CD Player T and A Elektro Akoustic 1260
Even before the PL100s the GX50s were singing with the new source and amp. I really didn't realize how much difference that would make.
But the new speakers: my goodness they are fine. Deep, clear, bright on top, spacious. They are in a pretty small room and the soundstage just spreads side to side and front to back.
So...thanks for all your great advice and happy listening to us all.