Anyone have their Audio Aero Capitole MKII yet?

Badwisdom, I'm curious if your dealer listens to the Linn CD12 along side the AA? If so, what did he say about the two in comparision?

Folks, keep those comments coming. I'm also interested how your opinions change as the player breaks-in.

I guess it's only fair that I share some of my first impressions. Tighter bass than the MK I, but still carries the same weight. The high end is definitely extended giving the player a more open sound than the MK I. And, after running 24/7 since Monday, I still find the high end a little harsh as compared to the MK I. I think it may sound a little bit more clinical than the MK I, which I certainly hope will disappear as it breaks-in. Also running it direct to either a Plinius SA-250 or Quicksilver V4's.

I also like the new drawer cover. I too can't imagine that these guys could bring themselves to ship such a "cheezy" remote with a player of this caliber. It's plastic, push-button without any LCD. The good news is that it actually works. I've been waiting 21 days shy of a year to be able to directly access track 10. Anyone who has owned their MK I for a while knows what I'm talking about (the original remote).

Some other observations. I've noticed that I need to be in the range of "8 blocks" (out of 10 total) worth of volume to equal about 11 o'clock on the MK I. I also noticed a ground loop a soon as I plugged this thing in. The MK I was/is fine. Different amps, interconnects, AC cords, outlets.......still there. Popping when switching out of MUTE which could be associated with the ground loop. Anyone else have comments on these observations?

Many thanks to everyone who's participating in this forum discussion thus far.

I have also experienced some difficulties with this player being able to play certain discs. AA has conveniently put a disclaimer in the owner's manual about the standards not being adhered to and, so, this player will not play those discs. I, for one, would like them to prove what they claim. There is no doubt that the player will not play certain discs. It also seems interesting that I was not able to play one particular disc, but after putting it back in the case and trying it again some days later it played just fine.

As for you folks with the noise problems, take the advice given about trying different outlets or power cords and also try using a ground lift at the CD player if plugging into an integrated amp. This player is grounded differently than any other that I've had in my system (about five different players). You should also remember that this beast is capable of putting out 5 volts at full throttle. Your integrated's input may just be overloaded. Most other players only output about 2 volts.

Sonic update: the player seems to be settling in nicely. The harshness in the high end has diminished substantially. The bass remains tighter than on the MK I, but maybe a little less pronounced. That's the good news. I'm still not sure that I find this player as engaging as the MK I. It still seems to be more clinical sounding, but I still have a week to go on the break-in.

Badwisdow, please give us an update if you speak with AA on Monday.

Badwisdom... Thanks for checking with AA...very helpful. If you do again speak to them, would you inquire about the volume control having to be in the 80-100 range, where-as with the MK I the volume would be at about 11 to 12 o’clock to produce the same loudness? I do NOT use a preamp. Also, if you would, inquire about the grounding issue (ground loop…hum through the speakers). Is this player grounded differently than the MK I? Or, do I have a defect? Anyone else heard this problem???

I too am frustrated by the fact that the player interrupts tracks that segue from one track to the next. I guess we can thank Philips for that.