Elect. EMC-1 Mk II vs. Audio Aero Capitole Mk II ?

I have an ARC LS5 MKII pre amplifier and have had great success with the EMC 1. I am not familiar with the Audio Aero player but I would think it would be wise to attempt an in home trial with both players to see which one fits your systems sound goals the best.
I love the EMC's ability to bloom. The newest version with the passive parts upgrade is world class in it's ability to capture decay and heft. There is no hint of digititus whatsoever and organic clarity is in abundance. If your pre amplifier has balanced connections you are in for some great mojo. The EMC 1 loves balanced connections and rewards you with a notch better quality on all fronts.

Good luck but make sure you can try it in your home. That is a lot of cake to spend without listening.

Sos gives good advice in that at the level of performance of both of these, it may come down to personal preference. One thing seems consistent, there are many happy users of each.

Have owned both...still own the AA Mk II.... Liked both... Liked the AA MK II better when running either direct or through a pre.

Owned the Mk I- seductive yet detailed, but ultimately not enough PRT. EMC I liked better- bass more substantial. However, I have gone into separates- more $$ but infinitely better IMO. YRMV...

I think that how a high quality CDP sounds in a given system is very system dependant. The differences may be subtle, but this is a hobby of inches and not yards. I am very familiar with the EMC mk2 and I demoed it with a Cary 306/200 in the system I owned about a year ago. The differences were subtle; however, sounded more electronic/digital than the Cary in addition not having the low level detail the Cary.

Now, in a different setup, I can wholly imagine me prefering the EMC player to the Cary. But this is a hobby of inches and not yards, so it is pretty important to demo a source ESPECIALLY in your own system.

KF