The problem is clear: your CDP is lacking detail and dynamics. I would ditch the universal (good ones are very expensive) and get a very nice redbook player that has plenty of detail. I am very familiar with the 8260 and it isn't detailed but soft and forgiving so I would forget Marantz and look at something like Audio Aero Prima (which I own and love) or Cary 303/200 or even a Rotel 1072 if you want something less expensive. Your amps and speakers will sing in full chorus if you feed them a good signal that has detail and dynamics to start with.
After the CDP change, I would swap out the 207 for a McIntosh 2-channel amp like the 352, 252 or 402. You will get much better resolution with a 2-channel amp than a multichannel one, no matter the brand. There is magical synergy between Mc amps and Mc preamps so keep them together.
Also, what does your room look like? Is it full of furniture? Is it carpeted? Is there a rug? If you remove some "stuff" from the room, the sound will immediately be more dynamic. Don't overlook the room treatments - they have a surprisingly large impact on the way you'll hear the music. You can do a room analysis with a Radio Shack meter and test CD (remember to correct the meter's curves) to find your problems and go from there - it's best not to do it blindly. If you want more info on this, ask me.
The 802N has huge potential and McIntosh amps are an incredibly synergistic match but you have to start with a good source. B&Ws have similar needs as JM Labs - both take some work to make them happy so you can't just slap any equipment together and hope it works. Check out my "system" page if you are interested in more details. Take heart, you don't have far to go before good sound reigns.
Arthur
After the CDP change, I would swap out the 207 for a McIntosh 2-channel amp like the 352, 252 or 402. You will get much better resolution with a 2-channel amp than a multichannel one, no matter the brand. There is magical synergy between Mc amps and Mc preamps so keep them together.
Also, what does your room look like? Is it full of furniture? Is it carpeted? Is there a rug? If you remove some "stuff" from the room, the sound will immediately be more dynamic. Don't overlook the room treatments - they have a surprisingly large impact on the way you'll hear the music. You can do a room analysis with a Radio Shack meter and test CD (remember to correct the meter's curves) to find your problems and go from there - it's best not to do it blindly. If you want more info on this, ask me.
The 802N has huge potential and McIntosh amps are an incredibly synergistic match but you have to start with a good source. B&Ws have similar needs as JM Labs - both take some work to make them happy so you can't just slap any equipment together and hope it works. Check out my "system" page if you are interested in more details. Take heart, you don't have far to go before good sound reigns.
Arthur