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

I suppose it is going to be impossible to get a direct answer from you. "simply better?" That is your audiophile critique? "fragile egos?" Stan, my man, give me a break. I'm open to anything, but "blown away?" No price, no nothing. I'd love to hear your experiences with the Prima. Since I know this cdp intimately, I, hopefully, will see what page you're on. No cogent (perhaps that's expecting to much) response, but simply: simply better? The insanity of all this, is that I expected different from you. My fault... :)

Hey Warrenh,

FWIW, 6 Moons has one now for review, I guess we can
all wait to see. I went ahead and bought one yesterday,
(I know that's taking a chance but!?) and am selling
my present cdp. I hope it's not a mistake, but from
what little I can gather it sounds like the Canary
CD100 will be a real winner. I took a chance based on
what I heard from the CA 160 mono blocks I once had.
I also for the record "recently" owned the AA Prima, Rega Jupiter 2000,
Eastern Electric Mini Max, (auditioned and took back). Oh yea, I also had the 3.1x, but still liked the 2.1x better.

Anyway, you may not get your answer here, as there is just
not enough info floating around yet, but I assume a 6 moons
review will answer some of our questions. I do hope it's a
good one believe me.

Bob, I look forward to your impressions, especially since you owned the Prima. I hope that baby delivers for you...warren

Bluebull, I have owned the Prima and have compared it at lenght to many other good players and DAC's. Check my feedback and see I am a long time and active audiofool.

My system (systems) were well matched and good for comparing various front ends. We all have opinions to be sure. We all have a sonic personality we like and thus we are all right.

I can honestly (IMHO) say the Prima is not the best in its price class as several other players in my home were better and by a good margin. I found it tilted up sounding and in the end fatiguing to my ears. Yes, a little forward and a little less body then I like. I like meat with my potatoes.
The Prima needs more meat and balance top to bottom. Perhaps the lack of meat made the sound seem tilted up or forward.

It is a very good player and my comments are about degrees of performance only. A used Opus 21 is better in every sonic way. I found the Cary 308T to have better dynamics, more meat/body and it is less money used or new.The Metronome CD players and DAC's are also better performers. I owned the C20 Signature DAC and that bested the Cary and Prima and reaaly gave the Opus 21 a run for the money. The older Metronome tubed Signature players can be had for a song used and they are wonderful sounding.

My current Muse Thalia CD/DVD player also bests the Prima from top to bottom. It is not tubed, but has XLR and no need for a preamp if you want. $1000 used on Agon.

I had the AA Capitole Signature version in my home two months ago and it is the finest player I have heard. That unit has meat, body, detail, huge stage - everything! The Prima is not 80-90% as good. They have very different sound and share only the company name.

Make sure you get a trial period if you go for the Prima.

Bill

Bluebull, don't get nervous about what Bill is saying. It is all, down that audio highway, very subjective. The best advice he gave you? Listen before you purchase. I feel very different about the Prima, though I haven't heard the variety of cdps he has, in the same rig. I'm a tough sell, but the Prima delivers in my system. The others may deliver as well. Perhaps more, but I'm satisfied for now....in this hobby, everything is temporary....for now, I'm good. You got quite a high class problem choosing from the above list of cdps that have been mentioned.