Speakers for my Sansui AU-D11 amp

Building a vintage 2 channel system and looking for speaker suggestions in the neighborhood of $300 to $500 or so.
I am having my Sansui AU-D11 amp cleaned and recapped. I will be using a Sansui TU-717 receiver. My intentions for speaker cables are to assemble  (I cheap out a bit here. My $ goes into components, not cables) a pair of 10 AWG cables with gold ends. 
My dilemma is this, my ears have grown VERY sensitive due to years of abuse and working in a shop (machinist). Even my main system used for HT and music (Yamaha Aventage 2050, PSB Image T65 towers and home assembled Monoprice 12 AWG cables) seems very bright to me now. 
I am new to this level of audio and have had very little exposure to quality. I am looking for suggestions on a new direction to go with speakers. Something that will work well with my Sansui equipment and not be so "sharp" or "bright" and much easier on my old damaged ears. 
I am not concerned with the footprint of the speakers. A set of towers would most likely not give me the bass I want anyway. 
Long winded cry for help. Thank you in advance.