So I've had my new Wharfedales play for about 5 hrs now. I'm already starting to hear a change. At first, the mids felt a tiring to listen to. This seems to have loosened up a bit. The bass seems to be a liitle less muddy as well. Still some work to go, but I'm starting to really enjoy them.
Another observation:
-My Mordaunt-Shorts were no slouches! The Wharfedales are unquestionably an improvement - and they will continue to improve - I'm hoping the soundstage, in particular expands a bit. But the basslines are so lush. However, those Carnival 2's definitely punched well above their weight. I think I'm keeping the Mordaunt-Shorts for when I set-up a second listening space. Or for my daughter if we ever follow-through with her request to have her own set-up. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't get that type of quality for less than the $400 I paid in 2009 for them.