Dare I say that your ears are used to they're sound?
If u compare a resonable Hi-Fi speaker 2 yer monitors, most people will say that the hi-fi sound better (if it can handle the loud levels)... considering that most hifi speakers sound like they've been passed thru an eq with a V shape config, it's understandable that our ears will naturally lik' em more! I mean after a few years of lfe we become lots more sensitive 2 the mid range, kinda like an upside down U, so naturally a linear reprodution sounds harsh 2 us... saying this, I will add that 2 me my monitors sound sweet, but I can remember the time when I got my first nearfields, they sounded like some1 turned on the Loud/ harsh/ Bright button! ;)
No flames really just my humble 2 cents 2 the discussion,
Z