when I had the DAC2, I tried it with my Marantz cd changer and the combo just plain sucked. I have a $60 Philips dvd player that I tried and it was a huge step up soincally over the changer. Then I got the Sony S7700 and it took it to another level. However, I also had a Stereovox HDXV cable and did not like it(found it OK but nothing specail). I ended up with Virtual Dynamics NiteII and the highs were silky smooth, yet extended and detailed. Great sounding digital cable. One of the best I heard. Then I upgraded to Virtual Dynamics Master and it was another huge step up. This combo - S7700+Master+DAC2 is extremely hard to beat. With NiteII cable it was awesome too. So, yeah, your transport is contributing to harsh sound. Also, if you plan on keeping this dac, or go with separates for while, then seriously consider Virtual Dynamics digital cables. Also, Audience powerChord had a nice effect on the DAC2 as far as eliminating harshness. You have to try different things with this dac. It is excellent. And responds well to transports, power cords and digital cables.
Harsh Transport
In a second system I have a Denon dm380 cd changer as a transport with a Bel Canto 2 dac doing the D A duties. Lately the music has been sounding harsh and dull at certain points. High frequencies especially are starting to sound really strained. Is it the Denon? I'd like to keep a changer in this system. Are there better changers to use as a transport. This set up sounded very good for a long time,then all of a sudden this. Wire I'm using is Shuntata Aries rca's and Stereovox digital. This does not happen with any other disk players I have. Thanks for the help.