How do I smooth out violins?

I agree with the advice of those who suggest addressing the recording it self.If you find it is`nt the recording then I would next approach the AC power quality(this can make a significant difference) and audition some very good conditioners.If that does`nt solve the problem only then would I proceed to improving the quality of the CD player(source) and the preamp.As has been said already, you need a good recording reference as the first step.
regards,

"Trying to find recordings that sound good with your system does`nt make sense". It makes plenty of sense.How can you judge the sound quality and characteristics of your system without using a known recording to evaluate its reproduction and possible deviations?

Improving the quality of AC power is`nt a "band aid" but is fundamental and all components benefit from better electricity quality.Immediately jumping in and changing compenets is`nt addressing the root cause. A good recording of massed strings needs to be listened to in order to determine if the problem is simply source material(bad recording causing the harshness) or a component it self.
Regards,

Rrog,
You did`nt understand a word I wrote.Audiophile only recordings are the opposite of what I prefer to listen to(mainstream jazz labels big and small both). You need to use a 'good' recording to determine if the problem is in fact inherent to the CD it self,what`s hard to understand about that? If all the massed string recordings sound bad in this system(even with known good recordings)) then it`s a component/system problem.If good recordings sound good in this system then the fault for bad massed strings is simply the particular'bad 'recording.

If you consider good electrical power quality a bandaid that`s your choice. ANY component will benefit from cleaner AC power. Why blame a component for bad sound if the problem is a bad recording?
Regards,

Hi Frogman,
You make a good point,a CD player built to sell for 400.00 retail certainly faces cost restraints.Likely small power supply, wimpy transformer and cheap op-amps and caps needed to meet budget. High quality digital can sound excellent with all types of music.Would it not be in the OP`s best interest to have a reference CD recording(he knows and can trust) to use when auditioning or comparing other players.He can develop a relative hierarchy of of various players sound quality.
Regards,

Rok2id,
If you notice, there`re acutually a number of posts here advising the OP to be systematic in approaching this issue.As has been say repeatedly, be sure it is`nt a 'recording issue' before changing and swapping components blindly.Take one sensible step at a time.

Learsfool,
Your "rant" is fully understood,it is a shame these 'sound' engineers won`t rely more on their ears and simply listen.
Regards,