Audio Aero Prima 24/192 Mk II cd player......

Matty ~ Thanks for the link on the ZBOX.Interesting concept.Not an option,since Levinsons sold,only RCA ,no balanced connection(My whole system runs balanced,RSA Poiema !! cables and Merlin BAM also XLR connection)Dont want to change any of these.

Grannyring ~ Resolution Opus.Have read very fovourable comments.Not distributed in my country.We have 230V,so an used option(110V) also, not on.Also,review by Hi Fi Plus not very favourable(The second time they reviewed the Opus. Not the first review.)

Another vote for the Prima...I have compared the Prima to the Unison Unico CDP, the Linn Genki, Rega Planet and found the Prima to best, smooth with lost of detail, a nice deep soundstage. I have not heard the Ack Dack, but I would certainly not describe the Prima as forward sounding, and I heard the Prima now in three different systems. If something sounds forward I would look elsewhere (single driver speaker with slightly forward sounding amp, like the Abby/Jolida combo I have now). Compared to the above three players the Prima was in fact the lest forward sounding of the bunch. So far I have not heard a single player that portrayed instruments (piano sax) as realistic as the Prima.

I am not sure how the Prima would compare to a Levinson though. One other option you might look into is the APL modified Denon 3910. Howard (Boa2) used to own the Prima, the RA Opus, the Capitole, and the Denon. TOns of comments in the archive as well.

Happy listening,

Rene

Now, with all this, do you know which one you should purchase? Of course not! Put the ole tympanics to the test. I will bet anything: the Prima will make it to the finals....warren :-)

I have heard that you have to send the Prima to the factory to replace the output tubes. Is this correct? If so, it seems to be a bit of a hassle.

The 6021W subminiature tube have a fairly long lifetime (20000 hours). Assuming you leave it on 24 hours 365 day =8760 h, the tubes will last for 2.5 years. At that point you there is no warranty left and you (or a friend) can safely solder new ones into the player yourself. If the player is still under waranty you might want to sent it back to the distributor. In the worst case shipping it to the US distributor and back should not be more than $150 roundtrip, which is still less than what most people spent on tube rolling in three years.

Also one more comment: I have had pretty good experience with the Audio Aero distributor (Globe Audio). I got my Prima as a DEMO from the dealer with a slightly dented cover. Globe Audio send me a new replacement directly from Canada to the US, no shipping charges. Also, they always answered my questions with great detail and promptly. Nice to have someone standing behind the products they sell, which is particularly important with overseas products.

Happy listening.

Rene