_________________________________________

will: that's not what i said. in answer to your question, 'what to do about harshness', i recommended lowering jitter in the case of a cd.

all digital formats can be improved by lowering jitter, which occurs as follows:
1.) transport jitter (player's clock)
2.) interface jitter (digital interconnect)
3.) processor's transport/interface jitter rejection
4.) how well the clock is recovered and handled inside the processor.

imo, the 950 is excellent as regards #3 & #4.
this would leave mods to the player and I2s interconnect. (some say no sense in player mod without interconnect mod also (i disagree).

as i understand this, since the sacd is converted in the player, the interconnect jitter problem is gone. (someone will correct me if i'm wrong, i'm sure)

i am in line for this mod when it's available for my player:
http://www.warrengregoire.com/hifi-stereo-sony-sacd-mod.htm

or...you could buy a linn cd-12 for about $20k

the point i made about sacd vs cd is that the multichannel hi-res format is just a much better format and sounds better overall, and that translates through the 950. it can still be even better with the above mentioned mods.

here are some more interesting bits about improving digital disc sound:
1.) lighly sand (240 grit) outer and inner edges to remove the shine.
2.) blacken the sanded parts.
3.) apply auric illuminator (by audience, it comes with a blackening marker)
4. polish the cd with mikro-smooth
5. dampen the transport chassis

some say hooey, most say definitely better.

i guess my point is that it ain't the 950. the dsp chipset is truly world class. the dacs are excellent. feed it well and it will play accordingly. my opinion.