Comparison of Tube Output CD Players

Sean,

I have heard several different Pass Labs amps in other configurations, and while I found them to be extraordinary SS gear, they just never reached me the way these did when I heard them today. From the combination of these particular components came a warm, tight, and utterly seductive sound. That Capitole was as I've found all the Audio Aero equipment to be--flawless. And if I had the dough, and a strong back, I'd have run off with those Pass blocks.

Hey Boa2,
How close is the Prima cd player to the Capitole? Care to define the differences/performance gap between the two of them?
Thanks

I've only heard the Jolida from your list above. I currently own a Cary 308T (also tubed output) The soundstage on the Cary is terrific and it has more detail than the Jolida.

BUT the Jolida is one of the most engaging and musical CD players I've ever heard. As Boa2 stated above it is hard to turn off. A terrific CD player for under a grand.

Rob

I don't know the others, but when I heard the AN 3.1x Balanced my search for DAC technology stopped. It's hard to describe the difference, but Audio Note's filterless, tube/transformer coupled DACs made everything else I'd listened to until then sound sterile, uninvolving and lifeless. They have tremendous presence and soul, and give music a sense of life that for me is totally addictive. There are obviously players that others prefer for the price, but there seems to be a certain class of listeners for whom the AN approach is the most musically satisfying.

Wow 496,

Sorry it's taken me so long to respond. I don't do audiospeak very well, but here goes:

The Prima is not far off the Capitole, and IMO does not justify the price difference. However, it's like comparing the Western Electric 300B tubes to any of the current production of any other brand. You can pay 4X the price for the Western Electric, and many people (myself included) will say that if you have the $$$, that additional 10 or 20% (if you can quantify it as such) is worth it. I found the same to be true of NOS 2A3 tubes when compared to the excellent Sovtek's made today. And I would say the same about the Capitole. On the used market, they are maybe $4000, and if I had the money I would own one. For now, I own a Prima, and I can tell you that it is a significant step up from the Jolida.

The Capitole seemed to me to dig a little deeper to resolve everything with a bit more roundedness than the Prima. It offers a better placement of the instruments, although the Prima does it quite well. I should also say that I heard the two players in the store, but only the Prima here at home. And we have the worst room for listening.

The Capitole has the remarkable ability to toe the line between detail/accuracy and seducing you with liquid warmth. I simply could find nothing I would change about the player, as it presented the energy and humanity of the players in a way I've not otherwise heard.

Several other persons who own both players have told me that the differences are more pronounced when using each without a preamp, and that the Capitole is significantly better than the Prima in that regard. Both of them suggested, however, that when used solely as a player, the gap is narrowed. And I would agree, though as I said, if I had the money for the Capitole...

Finally, I will say that the Prima is one fantastic player. I have reached the point that I'm done with sitting in front of the stereo and picking apart every aspect of a component. I played music professionally for years, and love music for music's sake. This micro-analysis of the component can be altered if the air pressure changes, or if I have not eaten that day. I love the uncolored sound of the recording studio, which is why I lean towards the Audio Aero and not the Audio Note, for example, which I believe is the best at reproducing the music with perfection. However, I want the best reproduction of the performance, and not just the music, if that makes sense.

With that in mind, all I can say is that the Prima gets me lost in the music. When I sit and pick apart the system, it's like any relationship for me. It stops being fun, and I'm the observer at a distance. And I would rather be a player IN the game, so to speak. As Chet Baker might have said when turning on my audio system, Let's Get Lost.

Howard