Best speaker for songs like Heart - Alone

I know precisely what you are indicating, and I know the answer.

I happen to like that song as well, and I often play it on systems to determine how much high end energy a rig is producing. If the piece is too piercing I know I have to adjust the system.

It is an older, not so well recorded album, a product of its time. It will never sound the same as recent recordings, and will always carry higher upper end energy. I do not suggest lowering the definition of any system - ever. Instead, work to achieve a beautiful tonality, which you can get through selection of components/speakers/cables. You may love tubed audio gear, and I suggest you consider, at least initially, a soft dome tweeter in a speaker as they are generally considered more forgiving in the Treble (high frequencies).

You need to trust me on this; to move toward better sound you must seek more definition, not less, than a boombox. Extreme systems have amazing detail retrieval, but are not harsh, even with less than perfect songs. However, you will need to "adjust" the system to suit your ears. When you have done so, the sound will be far more pleasing in every respect.

Given your responses, Rockpanther, this may be one of the few times in my life I would suggest an older used speaker, despite your desire for new. If you go new, with your budget you will likely sacrifice bass extension, which I can't see you enjoying. An older, very capable floor standing speaker might also be warmer; I'm thinking of Vandersteen 2CE or similar, which I owned long ago. These, and other Vandersteen 1, 2 or 3 series earlier speakers can be found in abundance, they have very respectable sound, and will not be fatiguing/harsh. You can also afford them if you don't have thousands to throw around.

You may also wish to go hear a panel speaker, because they sound quite different and you may love what they do. But be careful, because they can sound a bit unforgiving in the high end. Usually you can work with the treble.
Magnepan is everywhere, so listen to one and you'll know if it's a flavor of sound you like. It is definitely worth your time to check it out. The bass is thinner with a panel speaker typically, but you can supplement it with a subwoofer and get plenty of boom. For your interests it may be a winning idea. :)

When i was starting out Vandersteen and Magnepan were two speakers I could afford and kept me satisfied... for a while. :)