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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
pokey77
1,269 posts
 
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.
salevick
77 posts
 
The issue of upgrades is often a matter of taste. We have a group who discusses this frequently. Our solution is to audition components, cables, and power cords from a local dealer and each other. We have had surprising results. We have saved money or realized the problem was not the one in question as alluded by Elizabeth. Hope this helps. Steve
listener57
730 posts
 
One inexpensive way to reduce glare or hardness is to place a Machina Dynamica VibraBlock Damper on the horizonal surface which the [suspected] offending component rests upon.

Even when one begins with properly functioning components, there is a distinct improvement in sound reproduction showing the invisible, yet audible effect of vibration affecting virtually every component.

Despite already loving what products from Herbie's Audio Lab, Mapleshade Records and other admired vendors had accomplished in my systems, this worked even more impressively -- in certain sites supplanting, in other sites adding to the benefit of pre-existing products.

Reasonable prices and a money back guarantee from many such Audiogon sellers effectively cures fear of buyer's remorse.
ptss
1,964 posts
 
Perhaps your new amp is more sensitive than the old to the digital hash that comes out of virtually all digital products.
Before you go spending money on changes--at the least- "experiment" with isolating and conditioning AC to at least your digital- much better treat your analog separately. It should be quite revealing and give you much better sound. With it you will be in a much better position to evaluate any difference in digital players you may try. This is a case where you don't throw out the baby--simply give it a bath. You have nothing to lose by trying-and a massive increase in overall musical enjoyment to gain. Dealers love the fact most "philes" are happy to chase new equipment. Clean power supply is essential and all dealers and manufacturers know it; now you do to.
daverz
487 posts
 
I would keep the 840C as a transport and add a DAC that gives you several filters that can be applied for harsh sounding CDs.
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