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What would you do???

I am torn between the following solutions, all run in balanced configuration. I do not have any SACDs, so I would be getting the marantz for it XLR capability and good reviews. Both configs are about the same price.

Audio Aero Capitole SE MKII direct into a pass X250.5

or

Marants SA-11 CD player into Audio Research LS-17 Preamp

Thanks for any input.
tpk123
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
Audio Aero. No competition. The latest version has analog passthru so you can run your tuner through it, too, I run my DVD player through my Capitole via coax and Satellite with toslink. This is my preamp.
tpk123 OP
61 posts
 
Thank you for all your posts. Capitole it is.
tpk123 OP
61 posts
 
What would be a fair price for a used Capitole?
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
If you are shopping higher end on audiogon then I suggest you pay the nominal fee and make use of the Bluebook charts. You will see what things are selling for.

Also, on the Audio Aero you need to see if it has the analog passthru which is great if you want to run your tuner through it and get rid of the pre altogether. You would only then need a pre if you are still into vinyl.

If you get a deal on an earlier version there is a fellow in Texas who is an authorized Audio Aero service man that will change out your circuit board and update it to the latest. One of the other advantages to Audio Aero is that to this extent it is some what future-proof. The last I heard he charges somewhere aroung $2,000.00 to to this.
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