Matching Pre-Amp for Audio Aero Capitole MKII ?

Just checking out the forums on the AA Capitole MKl & since I just picked up a used one a couple of months ago.
I was hoping to connect directly to my Sim W-5 and then to the Maggies 1.6qr eliminating the preamp.Not!
The heart and soul of a good setup is a preamp and I found this out .Really wanted to down size / get rid of /replace my old Accuphase C280L preamp vintage 1986 .The Capitole loves the added presence and wholeness that the Accuphase provides and merely adds to the soundstaging and realism department.
Peter D.

I've had good luck running my Capitole Mk2 through a Joule LA-100 linestage. It seems to add a little texture to voices, especially womens voices. I set the volume on the Capitole at 0 dbr to let all the information therough to the linestge. Other components are Berning ZH-270 and Merlin MX speaks with Cardas GR ICS.

Interesting comment.
I'll try your suggestion with the Supratek pre-amp this weekend. I've never tried to set the volume on the capitole to Zero.

Thanks

After my last post I emailed Ralph Bauer at Globe marketing, who then emailed Globe Audio for their input as to volume settings on the Capitole when run through a preamp.

Globe Audio states that at odB, the Capitole puts out about 5 volts from its preamp into the output. They state that amount *could* overload the preamp, and consequently recommend a volume level of -6dB. This level provides about 2 volts which should be sufficient. Minus 12dB represent unity gain, according to Globe Audio. If you are using the Capitole in *digital mode* only, the higher volume (0dB)setting gives the best signal to noise ratio. If you have the newer version (AI) with analog inputs- the additional voltage from the higher volume setting may be a surprise to your preamp.

Globe Audio recommends setting the Capitole at -12dB to start with, play a variety of music, and see if the
volume controls on your preamp cover the range of your ilstening in a useful way. If you detect no overload at the preamp input, which sounds like distortion on loud or ensemble passages, then you could increase the gain setting on the Capitole to -6dB or -7dB. Listen again carefully for any indication of overloading the the preamp. If you detect any, back it off a ways.

I've run my Capitole at 0dB for quite awhile into my Joule linestage with no negative results. I find running the Capitole at 0dB gives me a deeper, more textured bass response. I do not detect any overload that I can hear or feel in terms of overheating. Of course YMMV. I would recommend strongly following Globe's recommendations.

If you have high sensitivy amp or not so power hungry speakers I strongly suggest a good passive preamp. I have owned preamp from Lamm, Thor, Blue Circle and audition preamp from Pass X1, Orpheus Two, BAT VK51SE while they are good sounding they add color to the sound but none yet to beat the ultimate transparancy and neutrality of Placette RVC. The Placette sound better than even running direct from the AA Capitole volume control itself. Good thing the AA Capitole have high analog output of 5V.