Help with

I recently did some upgrades to my front end (source) resulting in incredible improvements for my mid-fi system, but with added brigthness... that is a tad too much. So let me explain. Before upgrade, my system consisted of CAL Audio DX-1 CD player, Adcom GFP 565 pre, Rotel 980BX power, and NHT super ones w/sub. Straightwire midgrade interconnects and Kimber 4TC speaker cables. The system was quite warm, but lacking air and transparency.
I upgraded to Creek OBH-14 DAC and Pre, removing the Adcom from the chain and the CAL DX-1 became a transport (Canare Digiflex Gold cable). Incredible inprovement! But after about 2 weeks my ears started to hurt. Jitter it must be, and I got myself a Monarchy Audio SuperDIP here on Audiogon. Whow even better sound and a tad less bright.. but the "too bright" feeling is still there.
So, is it the Rotel amp? The Creek DAC/PRE got a very good review in Stereophile.. for being "no nothin''cept good clean sound." To clean and exposes the Rotel maybe? Or do I need other tweaks such a power line conditioner? Any advise? Your help is much appreciated.