Audio Aero Capitole MK II: Performance & Problems

A customer of mine is indeed selling his used Audio Aero cdp here (if anybody wants to take a big gamble, as satothestars calls it, but if you would follow that logic, one should never buy second hand, since buying used is always a risk. But it all depends on the price, doent' it?)
Anyway, I do not want to write about the risks of second hand buying.
I was extremely inclined myself to buy an Audio Aero cdp, but after I have read that this player is experiencing so many problems, I have decided to go for the new Lindemann D-680 instead. The German audio magazine Stereo gave it a full 100% for the first time and it is their reference player now and my customer told me also that he feels the Audio Aero and Lindemann are in the same league. Now the Lindemann does also SACD, whic is very nice if you ask me and the chassis is machined out of a full block of aluminium. I have checked the German discussion groups, nobody is experiencing any problems with the Lindemann.
If Audio Aero will be able to get their problems under control, I will definitely audition their player against the Lindemann in my system and keep the better player.
I will post my findings here.

In reference to Lall's post, I agree (with sattothestarts) that if Globe Audio had been involved with this problem, they would have resolved this issue without sending the player to France.

I can NOT say enough good things about Globe. Jody and Matt have been outstanding in resolving the issues with my Capitole MK I and now the MK II. The problems of player availability and in proper working condition lies solely with Audio Aero, by their own admission (I have email from AA to prove it).

I originally blamed Globe Audio when my dealer was involved simply because I didn't get a straight story. This ultimately turned out to be a problem with the dealer, not with Globe. Once I started direct conversations with Matt and Jody, I got truthful answers and sincere apologies. I am so impressed with the level of customer service that I have received from Globe that I will no longer go through the dealer. BTW, they were never an authorized AA dealer, just trying to become one.

On the other hand, the player is still plagued by problems. We all hope that this next batch of players, scheduled to arrive next week, will be trouble free. Globe has agreed to replace my MK II to resolve the problems I’ve encountered. And, they’ve allowed me to retain the old player until the new one arrives. Try getting that level of service from most other distributors! When the manufacturer produces the product to perform like their North American distributor, we’ll all be writing about listening to music rather than the problems. I suspect that we’re not far from that point. I can only recommend being patient a while longer. IMHO, this player is worth the wait. Analogue and musical!!!

BTW, I’m not on Globe Audio’s payroll nor am I a dealer.

I've only had mine about 12 hours and its sounds tremendous to say the least. Very non-digital and very inviting. Can't wait to see what happens over the next 200-300 hours.

I have the new chip, but my player will not read CD-R or CD-RW. Anyone else experiencing this? I've been asked by my dealer to contact Globe Marketing directly about the problem.

Would be interested in knowing if anyone else is having success or failure on CD-R's. Thanks

Badwisdom
I'm from Mauritius, which is closer to France than the US. There are no AA dealers in my country; the unit was purchased in France and I did not want to risk it having problems and only then act. I talked to Mr Combelles of Audio Aero who understood my apprehension and was very kind to offer me a straight swap. Maybe my French did the trick!

GerryN.If your player does not play CDRs than you DO NOT have the new chip.