Audio Aero Capitole 24/192 too foward and bright?

J Tinn I thought I spoke very highly of the Audio Aero. But let me correct you on some misconceptions. I was sent a unit to evaluate. I chose not to carry the unit not because I did not consider the Audio Aero a wonderful CD player but because I was told that when they came out with the new player at a lot more money that they were changing the chassis. It is a personal thing but I just don't like the looks of the player.

So I was never refused the opportunity the carry the line since I never requested to carry the line. I mentioned the Mephisto and the EMC 1 so that he could have some correlation between other players in the market place and how they sound different.

I know you are a great believer in going direct but I will tell you I personally believe the Audio Aero, as the Accuphase 75 V which also has volume control both sound better using a good preamp.

I am surprised that you would attack me in a round about way. What is your motivation. The Audio Aero is loved by everyone that hears it. I like the way it sounds and stated so. But I cannot believe that your feelings are left in shambles if some one does not believe that it is the ultimate digital piece in the universe. Rest assured there are many other people that purchase other products. But if it makes you feel better more power to you.
Please, do check your sources before you state things that are not the case. Life is too priceless to spend it taking cheap shots at people that you obviously do not know!

Hopefully enough said. I wish you no ill will. I just don't like things said or implied that are not true. I realize communications can sometimes get crossed up and I am sure that is what happened in this case. Just don't be so protective. Lighten up this is just a hobby!

I would like to apologize to SOS for my comment in the first paragraph of my response. After reading it again, once the post was made, I realize it may have been a bit harsh. I was out of line.

Although I feel the way I do about SOS' comments, it would have been more proper for me to respond to it in email.

Sorry!

Thank you J Tinn accepted.

One thing that has to be said about the volume control of the Audio Aero : as far as i can understand, the aero has an analog output stage (tube) which means it does not control the volume digitally, unlike the accuphase gear. So it would be fair to say that the Audio Aero DOES NOT have the problem most CD players have running direct, the fact that you lose detail and depth when you lower the volume. And a lot of people feel that part of the magic of the audio aero is running it direct.

Cheers

I've found the sound of the Aero to be pleasing both running direct and through my Presence Audio pre-amp. Clearly, system balance and preference will play a role in which route sounds best, but it's nice to have a choice.

Running direct sounds a tad more immediate, lively and engaging, but running through the pre-amp certainly doesn't wreck the sound, and in some ways--richness, air, harmonics, I prefer it. When running direct vs through a preamp the type of amplification one uses is, of course, critical to the sound. I use the solid state Edge amp, so having a minimalist tube-line stage in between the Aero and the amp isn't necessarily a bad thing. Now, if I were using the Tenors or other high-quality tube amps, well, that might be a whole 'nuther ballgame. :)

As Sos said, it really is about system balance and tuning the system to its most pleasing state--and that is to a large degree, different for everyone.