I am wondering if the people who use the terms "bright" or "harsh" could provide more information as to what sources those terms apply. Is it for DD/DTS movies, 2 channel music, etc. Specifically is it only for digital inputs and music? If that is the case, a smoother/warmer CD player can be used with 2-channel direct and the sound should still be smooth/warm. Digital connects are great (cheap and easy), but I didn't expect a $900 AV pre/pro to have DAC's that would make a cheap CD/DVD player sound like a high-end CD player or DAC running analog out.