It can not be stressed more, Make SURE it is broken in at least 200-400 hours. I had a similar problem with a Sony 9000ES, I thought it sucked for at least 200 hrs. It was too harsh. I almost gave up. The only thing that keep me trying was the comments on this site about the change in sound quality after 400+ hours of run in time. If your Cary is fully broken in, try these 2 things: remove any regid coupling devices (cones, spikes, ect.) 1.)install a small air ring (drug stores sell these for hemorroid customers to sit on) between transport and shelf. 2.) build some magnetic pods and use under transport to float it above shelf (I'm using pods with great success).
Cary 303 CD - Very Detailed - Fixes?
I just bought a Cary 303 CD and it is more detailed than I expected. It is providing me with highs that are a little too much for me, feels a little out of balane or overpowering the mids and lows. I have a Mesa Tigris integrated push/pull tube amp and a pair of Elac Griffin speakers which are also detailed. However, I am going to upgrad my speakers soon - considering the Meadowlark Shearwater Hot Rods. What would you recommend that I do (cables, interconnects, speakers) to pull back some of this detail?