Audio Aero Capitole or GNS mod on Opus 21

TPK123 I think hits an important nail with his brief comparison of the AA and the Opus. He feels as though he is getting every detail with the Opus while the AA lacks some of the finest details, in particular at the highs and lows. They are very different players, one producing one of the sweetest most beautiful midranges with virtually no notice of digital sound in the AA. The other having strengths in the highs and excellent bottom end punch, with more detail but lacking the smoothness of the AA.

So I am in agreement with the comments that they are not in the same league.

The opus stomps the AA with bottom end punch, top end detailed extension and overall detail.

The AA stomps all over the Opus in the midrange, smooth as butter, none digital sound.

So pick your stomping grounds based on your system, your desires and what matters most to you with your music.

I have not heard the AA, other than briefly at a show, but have been living with the GNSC Reference Mod Opus 21 for a few months now and would recommend you talk to Steve about modding it before moving on to another player. It's a special player once he's done with it. Eerily spacious staging and realistic imaging, dynamics and tonality are as good as I've found, and a very non-fatiguing approach to resolving detail that I really enjoy.

I have compared the new AA Capitole SE to the Modded Opus 21, in my opinion the AA is not even in the same league. There is so much more information coming through the Opus it is not even funny. I generally found the AA to be way over rated and honestly not worth the price. It was sweet and rich etc, but I felt like I was missing detail and parts to the soundstage with the AA. Just my opinions.