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Upgrade from Cambridge Audio 840C to lessen glare?

I've read the archive posts, but looking for added input if I may.
Opinion on the sound of the CA 840C seems varied; some saying it's cold or overly-factual, others (like the older TAS review) saying it was musical, especially compared to the newer 851C.

In my system I enjoyed the 840C and its connection flexibility, until I made an amp upgrade. Now I find it harsh in the upper registers, with a glare or hardness that after a while is fatiguing. Especially surprising to me, since I'm playing through Dynaudio speakers that as a brand are known to be mellower at the higher frequencies. (The amp is staying.)

Requesting recommendation on a player up to say $3k-4k or so (new or used) that holds this level of resolution, but brings a smoother upper end?

Also, must have at least one digital input. (Am currently using both of the 840C's digital in's.)
Would also consider a separate DAC, but I know that's another whole playing field..

System:
Speakers: Dynaudio Focus 340
Amp: Simaudio W-7
Pre: Parasound JC-2
CD: CA 840C
Wire: Nordost white lightning
Interconnects: Audio Art
brianam
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I don't normally say this, but I think I agree with Elizabeth; caps and all. I would also make sure all of your equipment is fully broken in. If its a brand new amp, it may UN-SUCK itself, without any help.

Also, make sure its not your recordings. More revealing equipment will definately bring out more flaws in the CD's. One last thing. If you do find the problem to be the CD player, insisting on a player with an input will limit your choices to almost nothing. There's not too many out there with inputs.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
I really think you dont have to spend so much $$ to acieve the results you want. Keep the cambridge as a transport and buy a DAC that has a burr brown chipset, this will sound much better and gives it a warm lush full beautiful sound that is much easier to listen to for long periods at higher volumes. 2nd Idea..Buy anew cd player like a REGA apollo, seriously it sounds awesome and could be all you need to make your system sound the way you want. Also I would highly consider the OPPO 105 because its a universal player that has Balanced XLR outputs and sounds fantastic even before the awesome MODWRIGHT mods that you can do to it. OK ive said enough..im going to go roll some tubes and listen to vinyl..LATERS!
elevick
2,636 posts
 
We have put the 840 through a lot-it was never harsh or bright. I would do 2 things first: 1-run your new amp for at least 100 hours to break it in. Don't even listen during that time. 2-If that doesn't work, try swapping out as much as possible such as interconnects, power cords...

It's very likely that the components may not be in total harmony? You may actually find that a 100 cd player will sound less harsh...until you realize you are missing something.
brianam OP
2 posts
 
Thank you for all the replies so far!
I should have added: the amp is not new, I am in fact the third owner now of this Simaudio W-7. It's awesome, and has found quite a bit more detail in recordings for me.

Previous amp was a Parasound Halo A-21. It was good, but does seem to be of a different quality tier than a Simaudio SS amp.

Dynaudio + Simaudio is a classic combination from everything I have seen at shops, and read on forums like this one. So i don't have much suspicion of ill-fit in that regard.

thanks again everyone
newbee
4,767 posts
 
Before you dump your CDP, have you listened to alternative cables. Some Nordost cables can easily take some SS systems over the top. If it ain't that, then I would explore some CDP's with a bit warmer tone. Some of the Marantz units can add a bit of warmth to SS.....Or you can get a tubed CDP.
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