Macdonj, you really should try to get hold of a Capitole for home audition. It is probably just what you are looking for, if you are already comfortable with a more "tube-style" sound. I auditioned a 24/192 Capitole extensively in my home. It reminds me of putting a good tube preamp into my otherwise solid-state system. Overall it gives a very pleasant, relaxed presentation, especially nice for classical music. The mids are full, warm, and very palpable (as Sutts notes above). The highs are super sweet and non-fatiguing, even if not the most extended possible. The bass has considerable weight, but is not among the tightest available. The bass is slightly on the "ripe" side of reality, typical of tube gear IMO, but still quite satisfying if you are familiar with that style. I must admit I have not heard the other tube-output CD players, but they would have to be superb to beat the Capitole. So in summary, I think the Capitole will be a great one-box front-end solution for those already leaning toward the "organic" camp of musical reproduction.
French CD players' sound ?
I've had a Micromega Stage 2 for a couple of years now and really like it sonically. So much so that I turned down an opportunity to replace it with a Theta Miles (unbalanced) because I didn't think the Miles was "better enough" in my system. However, mechanical reliability is getting to be an issue with this 6-year-old player. Does anyone out there have experience with the sonic signatures of other French offerings? Audio Refinement, Audio Meca, YBA.
For those who don't, but can't resist an appeal for a recommendation, I'm not necessarily looking for a neutral player. I like the warm, slightly soft (but clear) sound I get from the Micromega in my system. My room doesn't allow holographic imaging, although I have managed a decent "phantom center". The rest of the chain is Cary (pre), Threshold (power) and Apogee (speakers).
For those who don't, but can't resist an appeal for a recommendation, I'm not necessarily looking for a neutral player. I like the warm, slightly soft (but clear) sound I get from the Micromega in my system. My room doesn't allow holographic imaging, although I have managed a decent "phantom center". The rest of the chain is Cary (pre), Threshold (power) and Apogee (speakers).