Save my ears!!!

[vito]

I use CDP Cambridge Audio 540C, Rotel 971 amp and B&W DM603 S2 speakers.
When I initially auditioned this set up - I was amazed. I could hear things I never did: sound was crystal clear, every instrument sounded live and I was immerged into music. I was thrilled and excited. But after a while I found that I can't listen for a long time. It's like If it's too crisp and clear, my ears would get tired after 15-20 minutes.
I took my CA cdp to several local dealers and compared it with others, like Rotel RCD1072 and used SONY 777ES and as much as they wanted to sell their stuff, they were amazed how 540c sounded. It was hard to tell the difference even on their HI-END equipment. May be Sony sounded little less forward then 540c on mid high range, but that was 5% difference and if you listen very carefully.
I listen mostly to jazz and instrumental music featuring soprano sax and clarinet (that's what I play), acoustic guitar, brass bands, accordion and some vocal groups.
My question is, should I try another amp like Marantz PM7200 that has reviews that make me believe would help smooth the sound. Or should I try different speakers, though I like B&W's. In any way, I don't want to make it expensive decision and would be fine even with getting used gear in the same price bracket. Or should I try completely different CDP. My cousin uses Marantz CDP and amp with his B&W DM602 and jazz sounds very nice.

 

[AVRat]

Have you tried turning down the treble control?

 

[mtrycrafts]

As AV said and implied, not in your components but speakers and room acoustics causing your issues, especially if all your CDs give you the same problems, not just some in which case, it is the quality of the recording.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Rotel set flat has always been a little more "in your face." This is true with B&W speakers as well. Those two coupled together in a room with dampening may be a bit bright. Simple tone controls may not suffice. Possibly try cantering the speakers a bit outside your line of sight, or add some sound deadening panels to the walls. Certain speakers sometimes don't mesh well with some amps.

 

[BostonMark]

peanut butter and jelly

Rotel set flat has always been a little more "in your face." This is true with B&W speakers as well. Those two coupled together in a room with dampening may be a bit bright. Simple tone controls may not suffice. Possibly try cantering the speakers a bit outside your line of sight, or add some sound deadening panels to the walls. Certain speakers sometimes don't mesh well with some amps.

Rotel and B& W go together like Peanut butter and jelly, Sonny and Cher, Vodka and orange juice. The two companies even feature each other in their catalogs!