The vicissitudes of listening to classical music

Hello,

I'm a novice. I recently purchased a decco int. amp and usb/dac and era d5's. I am using a Mac mini. I've been using this set-up for two weeks. The sound is starting to become more dynamic. This is on the desktop, nearfield listening to cd's, internet radio and rips.

My problem is that when I listen to symphonic music everything is garbled during heavy orchestration. Solo piano, guitar, string quartets sound good except strings in the high register can be grating. Also, I find myself listening to a softer passage at a nice volume and when the brass and strings and percussion kick in I must always turn down. Opera is a problem as well.

I wish the mids were warmer, too.

Since there are area contraints on the desktop I thought a hifi integrated amp might suit my needs. More power to even out the louder passages and tame the high end. The decco is 50wpc. I would like to pay maye $1500- for the amp. I would buy another usb/dac.

I think the speakers are fine. I don't want anything bigger on the desk, anyway.

I'm in a small room approx. 12'x14'. I purchased the d5's hoping the bass at lower listening levels would work. The room is somewhat open on one side. I usually listen at moderate volume levels.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

jj