Want to experience tubed CDP?

I have been living with the Audio Aero for about two months out of all players I have listened to (Rega Planet, Linn Genki, Unison Unico CD), it is the most involving and musical one. I have owned the Planet for seven years, Genki for 4 months and the Unico for two months. None of these players comes as close to portraing a real piano as well the Audio Aero Prima. The Prima is more detailed and musical than the Unico (which according to Chris at partsconnexion betters the Jolida, sorry no personal experience) and more liquid and involving than the Genki. It has a more tuneful bass than any of the other players.

After searching for a long time to find an upgrade to my seven year old planet, this is as musical as the planet, but does not sacrifice any of the details. It is also the first player that my wife likes more than the Planet.

Of course, either of these players looks very interesting and I did not have a chance to listen to the Jolida, Cary, Lector, or BAT. Maybe at HE in New York?

Good luck.

Rene

Jh2os, good to hear you took the plunge for a tubed CDP. Now comes best part: Playing around with tubes like Newbee suggested. I just started tube rolling in my Jolida amp: I now have five different sets of 12AX7, four different sets of 12AT7, and two sets of driver tubes. I am starting to think this is a little too much, but then nothing beats trying things yourself.

Start with some current production tubes in the Jolida (EI Gold, JJ, GE 5571). It will make a significant difference and you might just end up with what you are looking for.

Also a powercord change might make a big difference. Try a VH Flavor 4 etc.

Enjoy!

Rene

Jh2os, I have not tried the signal cable, so that I cannot make a qualified
statement about the improvements. I tried the following different cords so far:
VH audio Flavor 2 and 3, Audience powerchord, VdH Mainstream. Right now, I
have the Flavor 2 on the Jolida, the Audience on the Audio Aero Prima. each
made a very distict difference and even more important the Audience was not
that great on the Jolida, the Jolida not as good on other amps where I tried it. Its
all a matter of system interactions.

Certainly I think the VH Flavor 4 should be worth a try. Also with Chris' generous
return policy for 60 days (I returned one) there is not really any risk.

Also, Howard's recommendations are usually spot on....I would love to try the
Wolff, but there's too many other things first in my system.

Jh2os, sorry for the confusion with the Jolida. I completely forgot to mention that the Jolida is an amp.

Are you going to explore the area around Las Vegas a bit or are you just trying to increase your funding for your next Hifi purchase? I love driving northwest to Death Valley and northeast to Zion from Vegas.

Also, you are sure you don't want to come to Las Vegas, New Mexico, instead? In that case you could stop by in ABQ and listen to the Prima.

Enjoy your trip.

Rene

Jh2os, one thing about the Prima since you are considering it: There are by now several versions out there (and prices that I have seen them sell for here):

- There is the the original version with volume control, no upsampling. Glossy front (used $800).
- The 192/24 upsampling version with glossy black front (used $1000-1300).
- The 192/24 upsampling version with matte black front and XLR outputs and some internal changes (used 1500-1600).
- The newest version has a completely different front plate, and according to the distributor no internal changes on this one. This one only has been available since 04/2005 (new 2700).

I would confirm with the seller, which version he has. Usually you can tell from the pictures, but quite often people post pictures from reviews etc.

By the way: I have the 192/24 upsampling version with matte black front and XLR outputs. I can't say too much abou the sonic differences to the earlier ones. Soundstage reviewed the two earliest versions.

Good luck.

Rene

Some correction to my earlier response from 05-10-05:

The newer version of the Audio Aero Prima uses a Sony transport, the latest MKII version a Phillips transport. Now which of the two is better is a good questions though. The change over is mainly since Phillips discontinued the CDM12 transport.

I have since verified this myself by opening my MKII unit.

Just thought this would be a helpful update for any user here.

Still a very nice CD player!

Rene