Audio Aero Capitole 24/192 too foward and bright?


Does anyone else feel this player (MKI) is too foward sounding and bright? It sounds as though the voices are too foward and separate from the rest of the music. The sound is extremely clear, but almost too clear. It doesn't have that warm, rich analog sound that everyone raves about. I believe my player is fully burned in. How many hours are required to fully burn in this player? Does it get better with extended use? I have never heard of anyone complain of this. I would appreciate anyone's experience with this player. Thanks so much!
musicmannj
I agree with Mejames, based on the mkI that I heard I bought a mkII sight unseen. What cables and other gear are you using? if there is silver in there it may be part of the problem. ~Tim
I don't carry the Capitol but we have had it in here for comparisons when we do shootouts between different CD players.

We have always considered the EMC 1 and the Capitol to sound not the same but very similar in that they go in the same direction. They are both very dynamic and transparent and I can see where on certain discs that maybe considered a touch bright especially with certain equipment.

Depending on your system you may need to make some minor changes. The most seductive CD player that we have experienced is the AudioMeca Mephisto 2. I happen to be a dealer for that player but I also carry the EMC 1.

I will state that most people seem to like the dynamics and transparency that the EMC 1 and Audio Aero represent. I love both players but my personal taste leans toward the Mephisto 2 because I like being seduced into the music. I love the very deep and lush soundstage. The Mephisto is just as transparent but presents the music in a softer ambience. It is just a personal preference flavor issue.

You did not mention how long you have been breaking it in but don't judge it till you have several hundred hours.

There is no one best anything in audio.

Look on the positive side. If it is not your cup of tea at least it is a hot item and you will be able to turn it quickly.
SOS: It was my understanding you could not get the line. As a matter of fact a mutual customer of ours shared with me that you preferred the Capitole when you were trying to get the product. I certainly am not looking at engaging you, but no one asked about how it compares with the EMC or the Audiomeca. What is your motivation?

I am a dealer for the Audiomeca as well and while it is terrific, I prefer the Audio Aero Capitole because it has a volume control and in reality is a preamp in it's own right. The Audiomeca does not have the volume control nor the output of the Capitole. If it did, then it might be closer.

The Capitole runs directly into the amplifier with less connections and less circuitry to travel through. The purity of sound, musicality and clarity is unlike anything else out there. I value that more than anything for my listening.

Musicmannj: I agree with the other posters that your cable or something else in your system is probably playing a detremental role in your sonics.
So is silver taboo for this? I am new at this but I ordered and waiting for an AA and I will have Kimber Selects 1120 balanced connections directly to an Ayre amp. Is this going to have the same result?
Stenersr, i have had the AA Capitole 192/24 Mk.1 in my system with Valhalla interconnects and had absolutely no brightness, forwardness, or edgyness whatsoever. the Valhalla is "said" to be edgy in some systems and has some silver in it (oh my god!!).

don't prejudge what your system will do.....relax and just listen. generalities are just that.....systems and listening tastes vary for many reasons. when judging a system's tonal balance you would need to consider not only interconnects....but also speaker cables, amps, speakers, whether you are using a preamp, and the "liveness" of your room.

in general the AA Capitole is on the warm side of neutral so unless your ears are already bleeding you are most likely fine.

congrats on your pending Capitole.....i am waiting for one too.