Just looked at the crossovers in my original Forte's and the components are wired directly to the terminals. There are no metal strips. I seemed to remember that from when I installed new caps several years ago but had to look again.
Nothing new here but a brightness problem depends much on the recording where the highs were likely boosted for better sound from a boom box.
Nothing expensive in this room. A Bellari tube preamp at the listening position into long homemade cables to a Dayton Audio APA-150, which is just like the Emotiva look alike. It sits between the speakers so speaker cables are short which I think sounds better.
Its a cheap amp with the big power transformer which is crucial for decent class a/b sound. I don't want to spend more money but I don't begrudge those who do.
Got the speakers for $500 from CL. Doesn't have to be a super expensive hobby for enjoyable sound.
I do like the way the Forte's sound at low levels, which is how I listen. Should also mention that I have high frequency hearing loss as an old guy but that means nothing sounds too bright. Like having an equalizer in your head.