condenser versus direct coupled?

A "condenser" is an old name for a capacitor. Placing the cap in series with the signal will help prevent DC leakage from a source component or preamp from being fed into the power amp. It is strictly a "safety" feature and will only detract from the sonics. I make the last comment based on the assumption that Hitachi wasn't using the highest grade capacitors in their components. The "direct coupled" output bypasses the cap, which could result in better sonics ( PROBABLY ) but could also put the system at risk of damage if using older components that could be defective.

Try it both ways and see what you get. Sean
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Sean raises a good issue, that is speaker protection from DC. Make sure the drivers in you speakers are replaceable before you decide to use an amp that passes DC. Its not a huge deal if you take out a couple of drivers due to DC unless you can't replace them!

A direct coupled preamp is not going to blow out any speakers unless the power amp is also direct coupled. Chances are that the preamp output goes into an input capacitor of the power amp, so you will still be ac coupled regardless of which preamp output you use. I would go with direct...who needs two capacitors in series?

DC won't burn up speakers any faster than AC, but you would not get the audible warning that something bad was happening. However, direct coupled amps that I am familiar with include circuitry to detect this fault condition, and turn themselves off. Some AC coupled amps (particularly pro sound amps that are often driven very hard) also include protective circitry.

And then there are speaker fuses.