I’m afraid my Audio Aero Capitole mk2 has died

jacklynn

Good to read that you found an OEM laser block for your Capitole player. Galen Carol used to be an AA dealer/retailer there in San Antonio (SATX). Where did you have the install / repair performed?  You can PM me if you do not want to divulge the details here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Last year my Capitole Mk 1 started misreading and I figured it was the entire laser mechanism.Found the Original Phillips OEM laser unit on Ebay from China and haf it locally repaired here in San Antonio.Works like a charm again.Still going strong 23 years on.P.S. I bought an extra laser unit for the next time it drops dead or when I am 89 years old whichever dies first...ha!

Last year my Capitole Mk 1 started misreading and I figured it was the entire laser mechanism.Found the Original Phillips OEM laser unit on Ebay from China and haf it locally repaired here in San Antonio.Works like a charm again.Still going strong 23 years on.P.S. I bought an extra laser unit for the next time it drops dead or when I am 89 years old whichever dies first...ha!

I used mine as a CDP and DAC.   Assuming you have a streamer, or want to try streaming, the AA may still work when used as a DAC.  I regret selling mine, as it sounded great, despite it's age.

Long Shot, you never know, you might get lucky:

What if a button that engages MUTE is stuck, on the remote or the unit.

You could take the batteries out of the remote to see if you get lucky. If a MUTE button exists on the unit, try taking the cover off, see what moves or doesn’t move.

I got lucky a few times, by taking remote controls apart, hosing the board/contacts, all moving parts with alcohol, cleaning all the traces/contacts with a small artist’s brush, blow dry with my compressor, working again.

Sometimes, the rubber buttons don't move right, gummed up with peanut butter or jelly.

Maybe call Signature Sound in NY. He was an AA dealer and may be able to assist you. The owner is a tech and handles warranty repairs for several lines. Worth a call at least.

You'll be happy with streaming. If you set up correctly, streaming should exceed CDs on SQ.  Best of luck.

Well, when my CD player died a few years back, I scrapped it, purchased an excellent new very high-end streaming DAC, a music server, and never looked back.  I haven't spun a CD since.  Happy listening.  

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.  I must agree, sadly, that it’s time to look at something else. 

That player owes you nothing, and there’s a decent chance at that age that after you get this fixed something else will pop up.  I’d take this as a sign from the Audio Gods that it’s a good time/excuse for an upgrade.  Just my $0.02 FWIW, and best of luck. 

louisl

Keep me posted as you figure out the fate of your AA Capitole mk2 player.

It is such a classic.

Happy Listening!

I had a Capitol years ago.  It was a very nice player for the times but improvements in digital since then are monumental.  Time to move on, imo.  I’d be surprised if parts are even available if you would attempt to repair.