Audio Aero Capitole MK II: Performance & Problems

For what it's worth... I had to replace the tubes in my version 1 24/192 about 3 months after purchase. One channel was exhibiting "tube rush" noise. I was able to get replacement tubes from Triode Electronics (sorry, don't have web site, but should come up under search).

I replaced them myself, with absolutely NO degradation in sound quality. As I put it to my wife, replacing the tubes was likened to doing minor surgury on your house pet. Not impossible, but requires a steady hand, PATIENCE, and very good lighting/magnifying glass. Also BE SURE TO USE PURE SILVER SOLDER! - (for you do-it-your-selfer's).

BTW , I'm still completely enamoured with my player, now almost a year and a half later. It continues to please and impress.

As a side note, I found the supplied Black Diamond cones to sound fast, but lacked the depth and tautness in the bass. I replaced them with the eminently-affordable Vibra-Pods with excellent results. Imaging, speed, & resolution all still great, but with MUCH better bass reproduction.

Denf- What I found to be best(vibration/footer wise) is to use the BDR cones that come on the unit coupled directly to sorbothane- it is amazing what a difference it makes with the bass and tightening EVERYTHING up and seems to add a little more resolution. When one of my audiophile friends was over I did the comparison for him but didn't tell him what I did and he thought I changed a cable or something large, and couldn't believe the difference it made. But I agree the BDR cones alone leave a little to be desired. I have tried Vibrepods, audio points, apex couplers next I am going to try some shelves to put the unit on- mine sits on the floor currently. Sorbothane is VERY cheap and I would recommend everyone to try it with there system(either hemispheres or half spheres)

discovered couple days ago my RCA outlets are labeled backwards on my Mark 2?

Tireguy: I am wondering whether it would be a good thing to place a puck under each BDR cone. I read somewhere that BRD cones + puck underneath may give about 75% of performance of the BDR shelf. Has anybody tried this?

Lall- Me and another capitole owner are going to compare the differences with the shelf from BDR and my little half spheres- he has the shelf so I am sending him some sorbothane in the mail and he will compare it with out the shelf, on the shelf and the shelf AND sorbothane. But you are right from the book that came with the capitole it holds the puck in high regards. I am looking forward to hearing the results.