Used Rowland 302 or H2O Signatures CD Direct

The GCC-series of class-D amps by PS Audio have 5 inputs, and other intuitive convenience features that most other amps lack. I don't know how they compare to the H2O's or the Rowlands, but they sound very good in their own right. You may want to check them out.

When I used the Rowlands the PS ultimate outlet did not make any difference.

Muslover --

I might be fairly well qualified to answer your question as I too, own an Audio Aero Capitole 24/192, and I auditioned the H2o stereo amp.

Bottom line -- I was not overly impressed. While the bass was some of (if not THE) best I have ever had in my system, the sound was just "lifeless". It was eminently clean and detailed, but again, lacked dynamic contrasts and full harmonic structure.

As I have read and heard nothing but positives about the H2o's, I and also Henry @ H2o, came to the conclusion that their was some type of impedence mismatch, or some other "lack of component synergy" between th Capitole and the H2o.

My advice -- I wouldn't even audition the amp/s unless you could borrow a decent preamp.

Good luck!

So there you have it. Frankly, it doesn't surprise me. System synergy is important. I have stated it before, when one enters the realm of the H2O, one has bought into a system change, as well. Those who are particularly fond of going direct to the amp, they should look elsewhere for their amp.

"Those who are particularly fond of going direct to the amp, they should look elsewhere for their amp."

Muralman1- excellent point. That's why I went with TacT amps....no preamp or DAC is required, and now their new models eliminate the need for a separate room correction unit.