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speaker hiss with audio aero capitole mkII

I have noticed a hiss from my egglestonworks andraII speakers that is noticeable from the listening position at the highest volume settings on the audio aero capitole mkII. The hissing comes from both the tweeter and the twin mid-range drivers from both speakers and is equal from both sp's. It gradually increases as the volume is turned up and is not present with the capitole turned off and the Krell fpb 300cx on. I have dedicated circuits with their own main panel and the capitole is connected to a PS audio P-300. The hiss is present also when the capitole is not connected to the P-300. I suspect that this relates to intrinsic noise or distortion in the capitole, possibly from the tubed analog output. Although the system sounds terrific, i am concerned that the hissing may be masking low level detail at moderate to high listening volumes. Has anybody had a similar experience with the capitole? Can this be improved? Any suggestions? Thanks.

Rafael
aponter4
newbee
4,767 posts
 
Sounds like tube hiss to me, eithew because you need quieter tubes, or you need new tubes, or the noise is inherent in the design. I have the same problem with a CDP, but the hiss is low enuf in level that it doesn't obscure any musical sounds at normal listening level.
meisterkleef
146 posts
 
Get a Wadia.

Sorry couldn't resist..... ;-)
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,009 posts
 
Sorry about my post I didnt proof read it, You can
damage, I think the Krell amp or the tube preamp.
Read the instruction of Krell.Iam not sure if your
are using cd direct.
aponter4 OP
30 posts
 
I was aware of the problem with the krell and tubes that requires engaging the coupling capacitors on the krell to be compatible with tubed inputs. However, because the capitole has a subminiature tube in the output i didn't think much of it. I may be wrong and i just e-mailed krell about it. I will post the answer from krell. Thanks for the advice and for waking me up to this potential incompatibility! Yes, i am using the capitole direct to the amp.

Meisterkleef;

With regards to the Wadia, if i change the audio aero i'll
be going to the Meitner DCC2. But thanks for the advice.

Regards,
Rafael
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
My AA Mark II is perfectly quiet when run through my McIntosh Tebe receiver and when run through my other tubed amps. Hve tried running the AA through another amp?

If you have a really good rapport with your local high end audio shop, try bringing the AA down to them and try it on a couple of amps. Just remember, there is a skrew holding the transport in place that is meant to snap if the AA Mark II is bumped during, say, shipment. The problem is easy to repair, but might be a bummer of a new problem.
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