Well looks very much like the current version without the knobs.The display is longer and appears to have a more satin finish.Now for when we will see it.I cannot move the picture to this thread since I have problems with MSN.If you need the picture I can forward it to you.
It is a top loader,and uses the puck.The Prestige(I believe that is the name,cannot really remember)is the front loader,which a universal SACD,DVD,CD player.
Good point Bwhite,but is does not have the full decoding software to utilize the STARS and Anagram chipsets to their full potential.Only Audio Aero has the rights to that.
I would like to thank Buckingham for posting the picture of the Captiole for me for members to view.
The list on the new Capitole is 8895.00.With the demand being so high I am sure if you sold the "old"model privately you probably would get more money toward the new piece.The current Captiole is certainly no slouch by any means.
No not Canadien.I am a dealer for Audio Aero and other numerous brands.I am in Eastern Long Island New York.In a way I agree with you that I hope they have not priced themselves out of the HI end market and to the 'niche" area,as their price point of 6800.00 was certainly in line.The bottom line is everything I have heard and have on the floor from Audio Aero(including their Capitole Amp)is without question some of the best gear I have ever sold and owned.
"Sattothestars"is short for satellite to the stars.When I first started I installed BUGS(big ugly satellite dishes)for many movie stars here in the Hamptons,thus the name.Remember those?
The Prestige is a universal player.DVD SACD,CD and will be every bit as good on redbook as the Capitole.The Capitole is a Redbook cd player although it will allow DSD decoding like DCS and Accuphase.Since there are only(that I am aware of) 2 DSD transports available currently this is pretty much a non issue. The Prestige release is still to be determined and would expect sometime late summer.There will be 5 "new look" Capitoles at the Montreal show.From the folks at Global Marketing they say it is actualy superior to the current model.First shipment is due tomorow,has to clear customs,have the Montreal show 22nd through the 24th and realisticaly after the 25th is when we dealers will get them. Assuming all pieces are shipped they will have none left as they are already backordered for the second shipment.
Interesting that this dealer has heard the new Capitole since none came into the country other than 3 for the Montreal show and they were shipped directly there from France.Globe Audio had not heard it until yesterday for the first time.Considering they are the distributor you would figure they would had heard it first before any dealer.From talking to Jim at Globe Marketing he had only heard a prototype and that was 1 week ago.Personaly I would not listen to anyone until it is in hand which will be for some of us dealers Tuesday of next week.Once we have it, than reliable comments can and will be made.
As far as I know there is only one Prestige and I have not heard it.With the introduction of the new capitole(which was received very well at the Montreal show.www.soundstagelive.com or www.enjoythemusic.com)I think it will also be revamped up to the standard of the newest Capitole.From talking to Global Marketing the Prestige will probably not show up to late summer early fall.Audo Aero will be releasing a new Preamp with or without digital DAC sometime in June.I have the original preamp which is a Hybrid,(was not released in this country)and must say it is one of the best I have heard.I will be able to make a more intelligent evaluation of the new Capitole tomorow or Wednesday compared to the older current version.From everyone I have talked to it appears they have a winner.An expensive one at that.
The current("old") Capiotle has 2 volume controls.The one run from the remote is digital,and the one externally is analog.Most people keep the digital volume all the way up,and make the ajustment via the analog control usualy around 12 oclock.
The new Captitole has one volume control via the remote or front panel but is in the analog domain.From all reports from Montreal it seems that is is superior to the current version.Highly unlikely you will have one by Friday as there are on 3 in the Canada and they are from the show.Should get a reasonable time frame form GM today as to when the new ones will ship.
There is no Capitole in Asia nor are there any for sale from France.As Jtinn mentioned there are only five in existence.He is also correct on approximate shipping time and unfortunately it has made some of my clients rather upset.From talking to GM the new version is much better than the current version and other than a glitch in the Anagram chip(static charge due to bad grounding) has met all the expaectations.GM's philosophy is to release the product as a perfect piece without any glitches.Considering the price point,I would have to agree with them.
Dovetail.I would contact your dealer as this is a defect in the piece.It is the first time I have heard of this problem with the current version.This has been a trait of the new versions,and is the cause of the delay in release.IF your dealer will not help contact GM youself.They are very cooperative,and I am sure will respond to your problem in a timely fashion.
There is NOONE who has heard this player unless they were at the Montreal show.Period!Whatever your friend in Asia heard was not the the"new" Capitole,because not even GM new there was going to be a replacement.There is no dealer I am aware of that has heard it either unless they were in Canada between the 21st and 24th of March.From what I have been told,it does sound better than the current version and should be a winner.We all are going to have to wait until they are a reality and then all comments will be reality instead of speculation.
There is NOONE who has heard this player unless they were at the Montreal show.Period!Whatever your friend in Asia heard was not the the"new" Capitole,because not even GM new there was going to be a replacement.There is no dealer I am aware of that has heard it either unless they were in Canada between the 21st and 24th of March.From what I have been told,it does sound better than the current version and should be a winner.We all are going to have to wait until they are a reality and then all comments will be reality instead of speculation.
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