AA Capitole Mk II - what the evaluaions brought?

Question for Artistic Audio-How would you describe "another level of performance"? I'm curious, I tried some pretty good linestages and always felt the sound was better running direct. This is of course with the MKI version, I've yet to receive the MKII yet. I hope to before the Bush administration expires :-) My experience after quite extensive A/B'ing was that adding an active linestage did indeed add something, a sense of "Hi-Fi" sound, albeit phenomenal Hi-Fi, that was pleasantly lacking when running direct, which to my ears was MUCH more natural and musical sounding with a sense of instrumental palpability and 3-dimensionality wholly lacking with a linestage. I've not tried a passive linestage. Anyway, my personal experience is contrary to yours, ergo my inquiry. I'm hoping you don't say it's because the Wyetech is a better linestage than all others :-) Oh, and Aida, sonics, not budget was the deciding factor in not purchasing Wadia. But nice try.

Mes- I have the Cap MK I, and tried a high-quality passive with it. At first, I liked the improvement in clarity, however realized after a while that I preferred direct to amp (no restriction in dynamics, seemed more 'natural').

Oh- almost forgot- took it to a friend's place, and used the Cap's digital in (dac only), with his tranport (an older Esoteric P2 by Teac). Much better timing, less smearing, tighter bass, etc.- it wasn't even close on the bass aspect... I was impressed!

My conclusion (this is obviously for the MK I) is that the transport can be improved for better performance. Re: the preamp thing, I don't doubt that a top quality pre will add something, but at what cost $$. One of the reasons I got this thing was to be able to have the most analog-sounding CDP that will drive an amp direct.

I would be curious to hear from others on the transport issue in the MK I. Has anyone else tried the test that I did? (using another transport to the digital in).

first I would like to say that great active linestages are rare. I have found the Wyetech Jade, $3800 and Opal, $7500 to be clearly the best there is for 2 channel active preamps. if you search hard enough one can find other top notch preamps as well. I would describe the sound improves in the areas of weight and body when adding a great preamp to the chain. I feel the preamp fills in all the tiny gaps in the music which in turn gives you a more complete sound. thats not to say that running the Capitole direct is not musical, just that I have heard better with the proper preamp in the system. I have not yet tried running the Dac in the Capitole MK2 with an outboard Transport, but I would say that again a great transport like the Accustic Arts drive 1, $3500 would be better. at this point it would be better to purchase the Audio Aero Dac instead of the player.

Artistic,I know what you're describing, the sound was different with a linestage, just not better to my ear. More is not necessarily better, and I don't buy, from my experience, that a linestage is necessary for what it "adds". What it added was a sense of hi-fi, for want of a better term, again great hi-fi, but hi-fi nonetheless. And if hi-fi is the goal, so be it. But the sense of air, space between the notes and instrumental palpability is sacrificed with this "filler", to my ear, stepping ever so slightly away from what live acoustic music sounds like to me. Perhaps in a differently configured system I'd be more enamored, but in my present setup, fully well acknowledging what you're describing, my personal preference is direct, and so far that seems to be the case with most if not all owners I know(that aren't dealers).The pre-amps I tried weren't to shabby- CTC Blowtorch (18K), AR REF II (11K), Klyne series 7 (6K), and a borrowed Cello Pallette. Amps are Tenor 75 WI, speakers Rockport Antares. Perhaps when I get the MKII I'll give a linestage a whirl again. Sutts thanx for your transport and passive pre findings.

yes Mes I see your point. I would say in some systems running direct may be the preferred way to go, but when everything is right (including top interconnects, and power cords) and the system synergy is good, I much prefer an active linestage for what it brings to the sound.