Upgrade Help: CDP or DAC

Addressing the actual starting point, improved CD data reading, can reduce perceived brightness and very impressively improve listening enjoyment. Beautiful detail resolution and enhanced bass slam are just part of what you will hear. The goal is a relaxed, natural, full range sound which is "all there"
From Herbie's Audio Lab you could try the low cost Super Black hole CD mat to damp microvibations.
From Machina Dynamica a range of modestly priced enhancers is available, most notably Sonic Tonic anti-static spray to label side of CD, Code Turquoise strips to line CD tray of transport mechanism, CD Re-Animator for data surface of CD. Promethean mini-spring isolator supports beneath the CDP/ transport, and under outboard DAC if you later go in that direction.
This type of tweaking is rewarding if you don't mind the little bit of audience participation required to get better sound.

It likely that most of the perceived brightness is coming from the relatively inexpensive internal DAC built into the 5004 ($350 retail I believe). The analogue output stage likely also contributes. A newer sub $700 externalDAC can improve on this. They also differ in SQ so do your research.

Look for a tube dac

I would move as others have stated to a new DAC. If your system is on the bright side two DACS in your price range come to mind. For a great tube DAC in your price range a used Havana is very warm and musical sounding and can be fine tuned with different tubes. For SS I would look at a Metrum Octave which is not as warm as the Havana but will give you more detail and is still on the warm side of the dacs I have tried . Metrum was selling these out factory direct for about what you want to spend but they may be gone by now and might be hard to find on the used market. The Havana’s come up from time to time and IMO are a great value. Good luck and keep us posted on what you end up with and how you like it.

Greg

Thank You all for the input. It seems most everyone thinks I need to keep my CDP and move forward with used DAC. That is the route I will research.

I don't think my system is overly bright, My speakers are very netural and my amp is said to be somewhat bright with the wrong speakers (which I don't think is the problem). I am pretty sure its from the CDP. When I use a very cheap record player no edge or touch of brightness. The cd player was really bright but some interconnects helped out and just a little edge and brightness or a more un natural feeling is still there.

I want to eventually spring for tubes. Thinking Rouge Audio Cronus Mag. or Used Audio Research gear. I wanted to go American. If I shell out the money I want to ensure it can be serviced.

Would a Tube DAC going through a Tube amp be to much? Should I get a solid state since my amp will be tubes in the future?

Thanks