The room is carpeted. The right side is 75% covered with drapes. There was one post in Audio Review which actually
found the Ascends bright. And another reason I returned
it is about aesthetics. It looked like a tiny sub to me.

I think, I should mention that I have a pair of NHT SuperOne which I never found to be bright. This is my
first speaker that might be considered audiophile grade.
Of course, I caught the upgrade bug so I started auditioning. I first bought the M3 and then re-upgraded to the M22. Now, I'm being tempted to get the last pair of
GR-Research Paradox 1. But no. I think I would wait for more feedback about their latest design--a bookshelf with
a hi-performance ribbon tweet.