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Is the volume control on the Transport or the DAC?

It seems a silly question but that's my ignorance. I am currently using an Audio Aero Capitole CD player in my system to drive a pair of monoblocks. I do not use a preamp nor am I contemplating buying one.

I am looking for a back up player and have spotted an Audio Aero Prima Mk II but the latter has a volume output of 2.2V, no volume control but has a digital output.

My question is, ifever the transport/disc reading of my Capitole becomes capricious, will I be able use the Prima as a transport and the Capitole as a DAC? If so, will I be able to control the volume level through the Capitole?

Or simply put, does the volume control of a Transport/DAC combo lie with the Transport of the DAC?

Second question, I am being offered a perfectly working Resolution Audio CD55 at a bargain price (around $800) which I am very tempted to buy as back up in place of the AA Prima but someone very knowlegeable in the field has recommended me to buy a used Resolution Audio Opus 21 instead. But times are hard and I am not keen on splashing out twice that sum on a back up player. Should I go for the Prima or the Resolution Audio. Both are at the same price point. I like the sound of my Capitole and play all kinds of music but more classical - Tchaikosky & Strauss type.

Many thanks for your advice and help.
lall

Showing 3 responses by lall

lall OP
122 posts
 
Thanks all for your inputs. I appreciate.
The reason why I need a back up is if anything happens to my Capitole it has to be sent to AA France for repair (am from Mauritius, not in the US), which is a traversing almost half of the globe and that may take several weeks/months to have it back in my system.

But I do travel to France & USA a few times a year and my initial thought was, ifever any problem develops with the Capitole, I would be able to use the DAC part with a cheaper CD player and traverse the desert pending my next trip to France (and have it repaired there).

Timrhu, have you ever had any transport problems with your Resolution Audio CD50? I understand that it is about 10 yrs old, more or less like the RA CD55 being offered to me. Any reliability issues?
thanks
lall OP
122 posts
 
T-Bone
I did quite a bit of research on AA dealership in La Reunion but in vain. Am quite sure they do sell it there but what I know if that outside some major countries (USA for instance) all repairs have to be handled by AA factory.
For example, a UK customer willing to upgrade Capitole to SE (which is a simple straight forward technical work) has to have to send it to his dealer in UK who will send it to France i.e. teh upgrade is not done by the UK distributor.

In any case, Mauritius to Reunion then to France and back through the same route to Mauritius will probably entail more cost, but also more stops and handling and a definite possibility that the player will arrive DOA.
Now the best for the last, the current rate quoted by DHL for sending my Capitole to France & back is around USD 1200 + handling and documentaion fees + brokerage + customs + VAT on repairs etc..... much more expensive than paying an air ticket to France.
cheers
lall OP
122 posts
 
Hi T-Bone
Just had a look at your two systems, am impressed by your Horn speakers. Very unsual and ...mmm scary too.. I myself am thinking of making a trip to Germany to listen to a Velvat Pulseon horn speaker. Looking at your assembly, you seem to be quite knowledegeable about gears. Can you send me a private e-mail, I want to discuss an audio issue with you. My e-mail is jlallchand@yahoo.co.uk
Cheers
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