French CD players' sound ?

Rayhall- interesting comments/judgement on the Capitole, considering you have not heard it. I own it, and the bass is extremely satisfying, and of course, other system contributors will have an effect on this.

That being said, your friend is partially correct in that if we extrapolate that there ARE other CD players that may carve even tighter bass. I can attest to this, as my previous player (I feel world-class in its own right) had the best/tighest/biggest bass if ANY CDP- partially due no doubt to its incredible transport- the Sim Audio Eclipse. I sold it only because I was able to replace 3 boxes with one- Goodbye Eclipse; DCS Purcell upsampler; and ARC preamp, and hello Capitole- one box solution with analog volume control and a palpability to the vocals that beat the Eclipse.

All that being said, I would LOVE to compare the Eclipse (again, I feel probably one of the best transport sections around) with a top-level 24/192 upsampling outboard DAC, such as Mephisto II; A. Aero Prima; etc. Now THAT would be interesting...

Macdonj, you really should try to get hold of a Capitole for home audition. It is probably just what you are looking for, if you are already comfortable with a more "tube-style" sound. I auditioned a 24/192 Capitole extensively in my home. It reminds me of putting a good tube preamp into my otherwise solid-state system. Overall it gives a very pleasant, relaxed presentation, especially nice for classical music. The mids are full, warm, and very palpable (as Sutts notes above). The highs are super sweet and non-fatiguing, even if not the most extended possible. The bass has considerable weight, but is not among the tightest available. The bass is slightly on the "ripe" side of reality, typical of tube gear IMO, but still quite satisfying if you are familiar with that style. I must admit I have not heard the other tube-output CD players, but they would have to be superb to beat the Capitole. So in summary, I think the Capitole will be a great one-box front-end solution for those already leaning toward the "organic" camp of musical reproduction.

Sutts-
I don't mean to disparage the Capitole. You are right. I haven't heard it and I would like to. It is not an easy piece to find for an audition! I have no doubt that it does brilliantly some things. My question is it the all-around performer that I am looking for as far as bass extension and dynamics. I will say that the player that it often gets compared to, the Audiomeca, was not, although it too did certain things beautifully.

Maybe when I actually hear the Audio Aero, I will be converted like everyone else. I just try to pass along what I have heard about it. By the way, this dealer, and he is authorized, says that the AA has some serious reliability problems. Has anyone heard this? Maybe this dealer has some reason to tear down the AA, but I can't see why.

Hi Macdonj, from your description, the Audio Aero Capitole sounds like your kind of CDP. Warm, liquid, with good dynamics. I did not find it to be week in the bass. Fuller sounding as opposed to tight would be, IMO, a better description. Wonderfully musical. You can listen for hours without fatigue. I'm keeping my EMC-1. Not because it is better. Just better for me. The EMC-1 has a bit more life and excitement for my tastes. Much will depend on system matching and the sound that hits home for you. Love the aero. love the EMC-1 just a wee bit better.

In regards to the question above about Micromega service, about 3 yrs ago, when I was looking into buying a matching transport for one of my dacs, I was told that the only service available in North America was thru a Canadian company. I did not save their phone#, but I would think that either thru former Micromega dealers, searching the forums, or if you call Micromega in France, you would be able to get their contact info.