Try turning your panels around.....just where they sit. Front/Back swap. Tweeters will now be on the 'inside'.
Let us know if you note a better / worse difference.
I don't know when, but years ago, Magnepan swapped orientation of there drivers. I personally think it was a mistake.
I flipped my 1.6s and won't go back. Smoother, better dispersion, and less strident highs.
Take a woodworking class and build full frames...not those bridgework stands. My class starts in 3 weeks and I'm looking forward to it.