What happened to Audio Aero?

they're all either in trash or under repair. some of them started to show issues from day 1...

I was a dealer for Audio Aero. Very nice gear from France as I recall. I met the owner/designer at the CES Show in Vegas years ago, thinking about 2004, they were showing with a pair of speakers that I mistook for Sonus Faber but they were actually an older pair of the Bishop's from Wilson Benesch of England. The sound was really good. I haven't kept track of them but the designer was pretty old, even older then I am, and I suspect he has retired. Not sure who will take them over. The Audio Aero Capitol CD Player was pretty darn good and with its remote could be used as a preamplifier and not a bad one at that.

By the way is this a digital conversation? : )

I hope not.

The later players like the La Fontaine were better, but they were too expensive for most people. Certainly were for me.

The person's name was Adrian. He was from Holland in the Netherlands and was a very nice man. He must be in his 80's today. I think he owned a company in France that made airplane parts.

Holland in the Netherlands? Fascinating...

North Holland's capital is Haarlem and South Holland's capital is the Hague. Way back when Holland use to be separate from the Netherlands.

My hope is that some other entity will revive this company.
I have always wanted to demo these cd/sacd player(s).
I do not know if the brand is representative in the U.S. anymore?

Very nice sounding gear for sure.

I still have the Capitole MKI cdp and has been pretty much trouble free. I had to replace the laser assembly a couple of times and a few mods and everything is good.

Had a few of there amps which sounded fantastic with the cdp. Currently have the Capitole amp and again, no complaints.

I still have the Capitole MKI cdp and has been pretty much trouble free. I had to replace the laser assembly a couple of times and a few mods and everything is good.

So all you need do is change couple of times laser assembly then mod-upgrade it with more durable components and voila?

Considering the age and the ease of replacing the laser assembly, can't complain. Yes, with a few mods, the player still works and sounds great, for about 5 to 6 years, then new laser assembly.

I have the Prestige Reference CDP and couldn't be happier with it.

My Audio Aero is a boat anchor
They no longer make the phillips transport mechanism

Audiotomb
I believe the Philips Pro2 mechanism for AA is still available on the market. I got a brand new one not too long ago from a dealer in Netherlands. Found his coordinates on another audiophile forrum. Am very happy with it. I can send you his e-mail if you wish.

Audiotomb, I am using the Philips VAM1202 with no problems. There is plenty of them on the bay for under $50.

one is individual or two, the rest either 'anchors' trash or projects.

Same thing that happened to Audiomeca I suppose.....wonderful sounding players from France, then the heartbreak when the inevitable need for service crops up.

I have and use daily my Audio Aero Capitol MK2.... a couple of months ago replaced the phillips pro mechanism brand new, so they are still available... Have no plans at all for a replacement... it´s dac sounds fantastic, and since it has tube output the sound if very very musical... compared it to an audiolab MDAC and I preferred the AudioAero... and for CDs it blew my oppo bdp-105d...

I have and use daily my Audio Aero Capitol MK2.... a couple of months ago replaced the phillips pro mechanism brand new, so they are still available... Have no plans at all for a replacement... it´s dac sounds fantastic, and since it has tube output the sound if very very musical... compared it to an audiolab MDAC and I preferred the AudioAero... and for CDs it blew my oppo bdp-105d...

Thanks! for sharing guys- all excellent replies.

LALL, I would like that gentleman's email (for the phillips pro mechanism) if you do not mind exchanging?

you can PM me if you wish.

Keep this conversation going guys. Happy Listening!

Jafant,

I just sent you the coordinates through a PM. I paid $283 for a brand new original Phillips CD Pro 2 mechanism that works perfectly on my AA Capitole Reference.

So sorry for the delay.

cheers

Received Lall-

many thanks! for sending me the intel. I too hope this company can be revived. I have always wanted one of their spinners. Keep the info flowing guys & Happy Listening!

I had to replace the CD Pro 2 drive in my Capital Mk2. No big deal. Audio Aero used a brand of electrolytic capacitors in the power supply. Named "Samwa" . They died!!!. Easy fix to replace, off the shelf values. I ended up replacing all the electrolytic s on the power supply board, all the rest of the caps were branded BC, made by Vishay they tested OK.

Jebsmith, Now we all know what do do with that cripple if it starts limping or fails to walk. Not a big deal at all. Thanks for write-up.

12years of constant use without a problem.Where can I find more boat anchors like this.Lol

You are lucky- brucegel.

Not many of the panel here and elsewhere can say the same?
I still want a demo of the La Fontaine spinner.

Hopefully, the brand will return in 2017?

Would love if someone can send me information on someone that sells the laser and transport and also for repair in USA. working perfectly now and love this Capitole mk II se so want to acquire parts I will need for possible future work. thank you

Audio Aero is back. Now called VERMEER.

do you who anyplace in usa who is servicing the capitole or  prestige sacd player. 

Any reputable tech can replace the tubes or troubleshoot simple things.  

Consult - Galen Carol Audio in San Antonio Texas.
Ph: 210.805.9927

I'm in New Jersey if that is a better option for you.