Which CD-player with Paradigm 40 and ATI 2505

A solid state amp/preamp is likely to highlight brightness no matter what CD player you use. If you don't like brightness you'll have to alter your amplification components probably.

Right now im using a Creek OBH-14 as a pre for music.
Im saving to get a new pre/pro soon. The Anthem AVM-20
is a contender.

Also consider adding a tubed dac to your current dvd. I also had a bright side on my Sony 7700 dvd so I added a CAL Sigma II dac and it helped out considerably. Good luck.

As a former 40v.2 owner, I can definitely atest to the fact that they can be a bit bright in the wrong system. I'd go with the Rega as it is slightly laid back...but very musical and rich sounding.

The 'Digms don't like silver cables, and love tube amplifiers...I didn't really enjoy them much until I bought my first VTL amp.

Since you own an ATI 2505 I'm assuming you're running everything through an HT pre/pro? What is the sonic character of this processor?

I own an ATI 1505, and at one time ran my CDP through it and the rest of my HT setup. My speakers are NHTs and the pre/pro is a Marantz. I can remember the sound being thin and a bit bright, and with powerful amps like the ATIs that's not something I wanted to amplify. I eventually abandoned all hope of getting what I wanted musically from a hybred setup and built a stand alone music system.

I haven't heard either the Rega or Arcam players you mention. But based on reviews and opinions I've read on Audiogon, I think by using a Rega Planet with your 40v2s you can get some decent 2-channel playback that won't be bright.

Good luck.