Which has a greater effect on music,int.amp or CD?

Ohlala, I heard the Arcam 72T w/ Diva A75, as well as the 92T w/ the Diva A85, both through Acoustic Energy Floorstanders. I have also heard the 92T/A85 with Vandersteen 2CE's. To me, they sounded to much "in my face", more detail and forwardness than I like. My comparison would be to the Creek 5350SE, 4330r MK2 and Classe CAP-101, all with the Creek CD53, all through B&W CDM 1NT's. I preferred the much more laid back, musical and warm sound I heard with the Creek, and especially the Classe. While it really isn't a fair comparison due to different reference equipment, my listening experience was much more enjoyable with the latter equipment. Especially since I listened to the Creek/Classe at Spearit Sound, Dick, Chris and those guys are the greatest. If at all possible, I want to do business with them, I have never had such a enjoyable experience.

Add on to my original thread:

Would the AR Complete integrated and CD be too much together (towards warm and musical and thus lose detail I want) or since they are made by same company, I am assuming they are made for a synergistic match, and thus be OK.

I know my ears shall decide but was wondering if anybody (ARC owners)can comment based on experience.

Just a follow up post. Went to NY (Mt. Kisco)today and listened to the ARC integrated and CD w/Hot Rod Kestrals. The ARC's are VERY well built and had a nice smooth sound (a la Kestrals) with Krall, Merchant, etc. However, it didnt do it with rock. With my "From the Cradle" CD from Clapton, It sounded like there was a veil on the music, that I was in the nose bleed seats. With Creed too (yes, I do.) Important find for me out of all of this is that it seems I like more neutral sounding music than I first thought. So, I guess another look at Arcam, Creek, Cambridge, Rotel etc.

One final note, if demoing call and make sure that the dealer you are going to in fact has the brand name you are interested in. The dealer I went to listed YBA in their most recent ad in Stereophile but when asked they said they didnt carry anymore. This is the second dealer I have come across with this issue. Anyway, thank you all for your above comments. On with the hunt....