Which cable will reduce harshness of CD player?

Buckingham, I am glad the Golden Cross power cord worked out for you. I don't understand why 5 or 6 feet of power cord makes such an important difference but once you hear it, there is no going back.

If you ever get a few bucks to "invest" you might try a Shunyata (not the sidewinder) power cord on your source and move the Cardas Golden to your amp. For your preamp, almost anything will work okay - so.. try an Absolute Power cord or something decent but not too expensive.

Also, it is a good idea to mix and match power cords - be careful about using too many PC's from one manufacturer.

I am not sure what CD Player you are using but before you go out and purchase all of these cables, it is much easier to sell your current CD Player and purchase a used one here on Audiogon. You can pick up several great players in the $250-$450 range (used) that will sound great and not harsh or bright. (Ah Tjoeb, Micromega, Marantz)

There is no getting around a bad component. Replace it and then pick your cables. Cables do have sonic signatures but they cannot cure bad sound. Just make good sound better.

My 2 Cents for what it is worth...

Chris

Hey guys, just to clarify, I was only testing out the Golden Cross AC cord to see the differences when used with the CD only and with the CD and the integrated. I have decided that with my current budget I will buy a 5 foot Cardas Quadlink and use it on the CD player. I might make 2 2.5 foot lengths out of it and use it with my integrated also. Is there a big difference between the Golden Cross and the Quadlink? Obviously it will not be close the quality of the Golden Cross, but I will buy a PS Audio P300 before I get an AC cord that pricey.. RE The_kid's comments. The Musical Fidelity is about 1150 US new, and it's been rated very highly.. I tried it with the new AC cords and it finally started singing. I also tried it on my uncle's reference system and it sounded similar. It is not as warm sounding as other players, but it is a presentation that is full of energy and very deep soundstaging.

One more question, has anybody tried the Alpha Core products?

Buckingham, Believe it or not a power cord can shift the sound more than a PS Audio. I know it sounds crazy - but it is true. In my house a PS Audio made NO difference whatsoever.

The Quadlink should be okay on your digital source. I have never listened to the Quadlink but suspect it will be okay. If you can get your hands on an Absolute PC, try it too. They cost 50 dollars and many audiophiles swear by them.

The only real way to know which cord is best for you and your system is to try as many as possible.

Greetings Eric et al...
Got your email; I'll jump in here with my commentary per your request.

The U2000 fantastic one box internal DAC player is one of the smooooothest machines out there as is. Yes get a good AC cord, a good AC line conditioner, good interconnects, & enjoy. No need to filter through a tube buffer or an outboard DAC.
Cords that I've found work well with the EAD: Synergistic Reference AC, Custom Power Top Gun, JPS Digital, Kimber PK6, no doubt there are others...
My interconnects are the very neutral Synergistic Resolution Reference MKII (with active shielding), and for source component line conditioning I have the Chang Lightspeed 3200 plugged into a dedicated line.
The player sets on Black Diamond #4 cones, cones on a Black Diamond shelf, shelf on Vibrapods.
Sound is rich smooth airy & detailed. The player is fantastic; Optimize your rig for what the EAD is capable of doing for you. This is one really sweet machine.