Tboooe, LeicaMan... the combination of the SR Tesla's: The Acoustic Reference ICs between the cdp and the preamp, and the Acellerator ICs between the pre and the amp have finally made my day...
glare, granularity, brightness... banished.
And what is in place is a nicely dimensioned soundstage with marvelous midrange, etc etc... Finally! My upgraded speakers (which began this quest) sound great!
Thanks to everyone who suggested trying the SRs... well worth the time and trouble!