How can I solve the harshness of my system's sound

Power conditioning
Replace that Monster Cable with at least Powerline (if you prefer to stay with Monster)
Experiment with interconnects & upgrade AC cords

How can you recommend a "dark" sounding preamp or "warm" cable. You fix a coloration by removing it, not covering it up with an opposing one.
Find neutral components that work well together and you will have a satisfying system, one that isn't buried in colorations and "fixes".

Cheers

My feelings exactly! That's what I was trying to say in my last post on this thread. Find equipent that sounds good even with the cheapest cables, and then fine tune with quality cables. When your cable to connect a component to another exceeds the cost of the component you are connecting, something is wrong. And we are all contributing to it. I mean seriously, a $20,000.00 pair of speaker cables???? I'm sorry, I'm getting a bit side tracked by Bob bundus' post, which I hope you don't take seriously. Putting a hemi in a Hundai isn't a great idea either. Tom

I'm sorry to ask, but do you replace nails in your tires with screws? Nothing personal... Tom

I'm sorry to see that Mr. Tom Trich, while having nothing useful to contribute here, yet insists on belittling those who are knowledgeable & experienced & have *been there* & *done that* with great success. Yes this is personal Tom; try going back to start. Your derogatory ramblings do not belong here.