Klipsch Speakers

The drivers used in Klipsch loudspeakers are not very sophisticated/expensive, you cannot expect them to sound as good as some very well-designed modern drivers. It sounds like you don't like what you are hearing and in that case, it might be time to move on. 

Some tubes are a bit softer than others, so it depends, but they’re likely easier on your ears than most solid state. That said, there are a lot of things in your audio chain that can come across as brightness and cause ear fatigue, and your speakers and internal components are certainly among them.

I’d also consider other speakers, or upgrading the wire and any cheap crossover components inside your Klipsch. Make sure your wires and cables are decent too.

I am leaning towards starting over, 

Back in the late 1970's-early 1980's I worked at a shop that sold (among other brands) what are now referred to as Klipsch Heritage speakers; I always liked them, but never bought them for myself, as I found them to be too bright for my taste.  They definitely must be driven by a "smooth sounding" amp.  If you can borrow an amp you are considering to see if that makes the Forte's match better with your ears, I'd recommend you do that...if you have a local dealer that will do that.  I've found that Klipsch Heritage speakers mate well with McIntosh amps, if that's a possibility for you.  Tube amps should also be a good option to consider.

I live in the Pacific Northwest, Washington State..all the stores I remember 15 to 20 years ago have gone a way. That’s a shame. So it’s online only…so maybe coming from you I shouldn’t give up…Do you have a recommendation for a McIntosh amp? I was looking on their site, probably a tube choice.