new at this...which amp?

Try searching the forums under digital. Use key words like "smooth, analog, sounding, best" etc...

A single disc stand alone cd player will give you better results over a combination dvd/cd player. If music is your objective, then go for that.

I found a few comments regarding Adcom gear as a bit on the bright side. Perhaps they ARE contributing to your problem? Still, there is a lot you can try for less $$$ before making that move.

Most dealers don't loan gear out like the "old days." You will be lucky if you have dealers that even cary the brands and models you may be looking for. Most used gear can be bought and sold through Audiogon with little or no loss. Consider the price for ads and shipping your rental fee for trying stuff out.

Good luck,

The Denon 3910 is an excellent universal player, but in stock form it does have a house sound. You may like that sound and you may not. If you are planning on upgrading the source, lay out some of your parameters (type of music you listen to, the sound you like, whether or not you require a universal player, budget), and be specific as possible. You will again might get many suggestions, but it will get you much closer toward choosing the source that will meet your preferences.

If you can live with a stand-alone CD player, for the price range of the Denon 3910, you might consider the Jolida JD-100A (tubed player, the Ah Tjoeb (tubed player), the Musical Hall (forget the model number), or the Quad CDP. There are other options as well, but any of these with a good pair of interconnects will likely calm a good deal of the harshness you are hearing.

Finally, I would definitely go hear the B&W's at the dealer. I've heard the CDM NT7 with a highly musical amplifier, and an excellent source, and the music sounded a bit choked and harsh. I attributed it to the speakers, but I could be wrong. Go hear them with good ancillary gear and see what you think.

OK, REALLY finally this time. Zee room, zee room, zee room. Start there first. I hope I've helped. You've received some excellent advice here from the other respondents.
All the best,
Howard

OK, I am going to start with things that need to be done anyway.( room and interconnects) Went to the auralex web site and was impressed. I am going to follow their suggestions. Thank you to the guys who insisted that I start with the room. I was not buying into that at first, but your persistance has convinced me. Also ordering new IC from Blue Jean. Seems to be good bang for the buck.
I went to B&W today and heard speakers similar to mine on a McIntosh amp. Even allowing that the amp is much better than mine, the difference is night and day. At least now I know what my speakers are capable of. That system sounded like angels singing, while mine sounds like the devil's playground.
I have also looked into the Jolida JD 100A. That is a must have. If for no other reason than to put it on a pedestal and admire it. May even listen to it from time to time!
Thank you one and all for your help. I think I am on the right track now. I will let you know what happens as the changes are done.

I pleased for you. The hunt was good! This website is really great and unlike so many other similar sites it has very few obnoxious "know-it-alls" who preach but don't teach. I'm glad you were able to hear your speakers at their best. All speakers have a "style" and with the right source and environment will give you years of pleasure. We look forward to hearing what you do to your room. Maybe you can teach us something!

I think you are approaching this in a wise fashion. Here is a summary of what I did with the auralex pannels.
After I determined the corners behind the speakers were the main culprets, I bought two 2x4 pannels and glued the pannels to a 2x8 foam inslulation pannel that I bought for $10 at Lowes (Auralex sells the glue for $20/can- Yikes!) I cut that down the middle, giving two 1x8' columns, which I wedged into the corners behind my speakers (Magneplanar 1.6QR's) It actually looks pretty good, since it gives me two tall thin columns flanking the tall thin black maggies. Also, the pannels are removable, since they are wedged into the corners and held in place by friction. I bought some smaller pieces and glued them to the ends facing out to hide the blue foam insulation panel. All of this cost me $95, and it completely removed the problem I was having. I bought some additional pieces that I'm still experimenting with for the back corners and side wall reflections. (If you have someone run a mirror along the side walls while you watch for the areas where you can see the speakers in the mirror. Try some panels in those locations too.

Then I would start with the weakest link approach to your equipment upgrade. If it were me, I'd replace the CD player and interconnects first and see where I was with the sound.