Audio Aero Capitole MK II: Performance & Problems

Has anybody tried the Mark II with a quality transport? I recall an earlier post claiming Capitole MKI + Esoteric P2 transport to upset the MKI player on its own.

Well, I'm embarrased to state that my Capitole, fed by a Micromega Stage 6 CD player as transport, produces (in my system) a more musical, smoother and more seductive sound than on its own! It took only a few seconds even for my wife to spot that! My Capitole is fully burnt in with about 600 hrs on it. I'd be interested in having your feedback.

stay tuned Theta data III transport coming this week will report findings.

I can't understand why some people are selling their MKII's after only a few weeks. Remember, it takes at least 500hrs to get a good feel of what the player is capable of.

Tube life / Replacement Question -Capitole MK II.
I've owned my MKII for about a month now, with zero problems, and I love it. But I have a question. I notice, that when I have the unit in Standby, the tubes are still on. The expected tube life is 10,000 hours (roughly 14 months). Shouldn't the tubes be off in standby to preserve tube life? If the answer is to shut off the whole player - wouldn't it would take many hours to warm-up the player again from a cold start?
If a tube goes bad, how do you replace it? Isn't it hard wired into the circuit (ie, no tube socket)? And, no, I am not a technician, so I wouldn't trust myself with a soldering iron in my hands, working on a piece that retails for $8700 (U.S.). Anyone got any knowledge / advise? (Oh, and one last thing, I have no local dealer to go to).

I believe standby mode in tube amps usually refers to removal of high voltage to the plate and screen/control grids. The heater usually remains on which is the visible glow you see. You have the benefit of thermal stability without the degradation caused by high voltage stress.