Help with monitor (or my ears) issue?

[cyber swine]

Two years ago I purchased 5" JBL 3 Mk ll  monitors after a ton of research.  I never liked them because they were way too bright for me but I kept them thinking that sometime I would work out some separate EQ settings or whatever for the rare times I actually used them.  Nothing ever really worked out and now I want to use monitors more frequently so I just tried a pair of Yamaha HS7s.  They are a huge improvement (as might be expected) but still not *quite* right for my ears or my taste.  Still too bright for me.  My question:  Do I really need monitors for my at home use or are there other alternatives I should be looking at?  I'm thinking like home stereo type speakers since that's the kind of sound I like.
I should mention I normally use AKG 240 Mk 2 headphones which give me what I consider to be excellent sound.  Apologies to all the demanding audiophiles and producers out there for my Neanderthal tastes.

[pjd]

Hi --

I tend to be a "See what's possible with what I've got" kinda guy. That strategy tends to save money over time by avoiding gear churn. (Something that I learned the hard way. )

Yamaha describe the HS-series thus: "HS Series speakers were designed to give you the most honest, precise reference possible, providing an ideal sonic platform to build on throughout the mixing process."

Studio monitors are designed to reveal mix problems and might not be appropriate for "performance" right out of the box. Plus, the studio environment and speaker placement affect what we hear -- overemphasized highs, uneven lows, etc. So, you may need to tune your HS-7s to produce the sound that you want to hear.

The HS-7 rear panel has two switches: room control and high trim. This is a good place to start. If these controls aren't enough, there is always the Genos Master EQ.

You probably expected this answer. Your ears are the best tools. Even if you replaced the HS-7s, you would probably need to tune up their replacements.

Good luck -- pj