Speaker designs marketed for older audiophiles ? Really ? Ridiculous. Speakers need brake in time, for sure ( everything does ), and I am assuming these are used, but still might need break in time. Although very clean sounding speakers, they are a bit analytical, both bright, forward, and some have used the term " shrill ", and are not " full sounding " in the lower bass region ( a sub or two might change the balance, but not likely, the top end. Equipment, and room matching ( acoustics ), are very important ( in every case ). Listener / speaker set up is very specific for each pair of speakers, so setting them up differently than your others, might require some more tweaking. Your description of listening to them, would not put me to sleep, but rather, to run out of the room. System synergy has always been important. This extra detail, might also be showing up, some weaknesses in the recordings ( poor over dubbing, miking, compression, etc ). Not a speaker for everyone, but, what is ? Enjoy ! MrD.