Upgrade on Bel Canto CD-1

Thanks for your replies folks.
I refused to accept it was the Valhalla XLR but I've just tried my Artisan Ultimate Silver Dream XLR & there is an improvement with the upper mids, although the problem still exists in other sections & it's lost a little space/air around the instruments. So...I would be interested in trying the AZ Silver Reference but I fear I may need a tube player...!

"09-29-14: Infection
The specific sections of the discs which are problematic are not to do with an inferior recording. It was not apparent with my previous player."

Actually, its most likely the recordings.

"I don't know if upgrading to one of the CD players you list is a smart move. They're at least as detailed as your current CD player. I think there's a bigger chance that you'll make the problem worse, not better."

That's exactly what I was talking about in the above quote. You're hearing more flaws with your new CD player.

"I've just tried my Artisan Ultimate Silver Dream XLR & there is an improvement with the upper mids, although the problem still exists in other sections & it's lost a little space/air around the instruments."

That was another point I was trying to make with my comment on buying components to fix problems is like getting an eq with 1 setting. You improved the upper mids but at the expense of air and space around the instruments. Its just as easy to lose, as it is to gain. Always the tradeoffs.

Thanks for the info zd542 but I must confess I'm a fool...! I've just switched XLR's so the Valhalla is between pre/power & Tyr 2 between CD/pre & there is a significant improvement!

Sometimes it's the most basic solutions!
Thanks again for all your contributions.