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
Hi Brian,
Been through many changes mostly good and a few learning experiences in the past 5 years particularly. Look into Darwin Silver ICs ($295 new, less if demo pair)--very reasonably priced and WAY better sounding in clarity, dynamics, and beauty while offering a very balanced sound spectrum wise. They don't look like much, but the sound is system changing. I will second the Modwright comment made earlier. Have had 2 different MW cd players and they sound so beautiful compared to anything short of $10,000 players--much like really good analog with better dynamics and quieter. Caused me to stay up late many nights listening to just on more cut when I needed to get to bed. Totally changed my mind about digital forever. You can find them used for under $1000 sometimes--or under $1800 for a newer version. About $3500-$4500 new with the mods. Dan at MW really stands behind his products--even the ones bought used. You WILL NOT regret buying one.
One more ModWright fan here. Send an Oppo 105 to Dan and kiss your troubles
goodbye. By the way, I owned the Cambridge and now own a ModWright Sony.
Your new amp may be revealing the true nature of the Cambridge. it had some
virtues, but there was no mistaking it for anything but mid-fi digital.
Brianam 03-14-14
Am currently using both of the 840C's digital in's.
Are the symptoms consistent between CD playback and playback from whatever sources are feeding these inputs?

Also, one thing I would try before replacing the 840C is changing its connections to the preamp from unbalanced to balanced or vice versa, as applicable. For that matter, doing likewise for the connections between the preamp and the new amp.

Regards,
-- Al
try a different preamp. perhaps the synergy isn't there with the new sim/parasound combo. My guess is the Sim is superior & bringing out the digititus. I bet if you tried a better preamp or good tube preamp you'd never go back to SS.
I'm an 840C owner. I'm not using it now because I have an Oppo 105. I can say that I never found the 840C to have glare though. I use a McIntosh integrated with Shunyata power filtration and Martin Logan speakers. Both players work very nicely in my system but the 105 is the best and it also does an excellent job of video as well.

I auditioned some Nordost Blue Heaven speaker cables a week or two ago and found them to be bright/brittle and to have a sound that lacked cohesion (like my audiophile terms!) This could be part of your problem, I don't know. But I have had an experience kind of like one of the posters above. Again, I never found the 840C to have glare. I always wished it could provide a bit more air at the top though. The Oppo does that for me.