Should I Get a DAC ?

so Solid state is not necessarily the problem

Yes, I think you're right. Better cables did improve the performance of the deck and as I said earlier with my string section test, this CDP is pretty damn smooth.

Arnettpartners and Timrhu; so you can relate to my issue with high freqs. I have Hyperacusis, so I've been looking for a solution w/o installing a EQ. I can hear up to 19kHz, but it's actually a small range of high frequencies that bother me.
I guess I could change preamp tubes (again) and roll off the highs. Short of that, I don't know.

Thank you, Lowrider57. Your "coming out" helps me. I have never been diagnosed with Hyperacusis, which I will research, but I am a diagnosed gifted dyslexic with hypersensitivity in vision and hearing.

I agree that SS is not necessarily the problem. Tube gear can sound very bright and painful. It sounds so smooth and then it pierces.

My cheeeeeeeap system is an hk990 integrated driving vintage AR90 4 ohm 4-way speakers. I've come to think of the hk990 as a little amp (150w/8ohms,300w/4ohms). I added subs and set the crossover at 40hz. And the powered subs liberate the upper range so that the highs are smoother. I think if you think you have enough power, add a powered sub or two and audition the high end again. Adding subs can help solve the issue by eliminating saturation in the amp.
Recently an hk avr7550hd fell into my lap and I set it up as pre pro using the hk990's amp section. The avr 7550hd has a smoother pre pro than the hk990 (Don't know why. It was hk's single attempt to enter the high end avr market). So it was a further improvement. It also has Dolby Volume which reduces sibilence somewhat, but is not as dynamic.

Your post helps me regain my focus on my own specific needs. I think Steve's reclocker or a DAC with Async is probably the next step.

Thanks,

Lynne

Forgot to mention Steve's BNC cable with RCA adaptors between transport and pre pro also helped a lot ($250 plus ship). But have no other high end cable with which to compare.

I have Audioquest Diamondback between pre pro and amp and would like to eventually try Cardas but will probably get a reclocker first.

Thanks, Lynne. I have plenty of power, 600wpc into 4 ohms (Sunfire 300 amp, PSB Synch's) and in my 12'x16' room the bass is deep and tight.
Currently I have metal tweeters and I know that my next speaker upgrade I will try a soft dome tweeter even though I've been told that my speakers are not bright.

But as you know, your opinion is the only one that counts when building a system.

Cool! Wish I had your power. Yes, I'd try the soft dome tweeter, too.