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Audio Aero and Accustic Arts

I've recently added Accustic Arts DAC to my system. I'm pleased with the new sound it brought to the system. Compared to Linn Unidisk the upper frequency is more extended and airy, and the vocals sound more natural.

I'm thinking of continuing with upgrade on the DAC. While Accustic Arts Tube DAC is highly regarded, unfortunately it's out of my budget. I've been looking around, and the DAC and CDP from Audo Aero caught my eyes. I like the fact that they have tube output stage and analog domain volume control. It looks like DAC is somewhat rarer than the CDP. Has anyone compared Audio Aero with Accustic Arts DAC?

How are the Audio Aero CDP? Do all models have tube output stage and analog volume control? I see some models with digital input and/or analog preamp section. Were there offered as an option?
jylee
krell_man
827 posts
 
The Accustic Arts DAC 1 Mk 4 is significantly better than the Accustic Arts DAC 1 Mk 3 that you now have.
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
IMO Audio Aero Capitole is a great player. I owned one for almost 2 years.

If you are looking for one used, look for Capitole II SE. IMO it represents the best value for money. The new Capitole Reference is not really better, and is much more expensive. The original Capitole (also reffered as mk I, with knobs) is nowhere near as good as mk II and mk III, and had many reliability problems, and as such is hard to recommend.

All Capitole players came with tubed output stage, analog volume controll and digital inputs fitted as a standard. Analog inputs were optional.
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
For many years the Audio Aero Capitole CDP was the center of my system. I ran Satellite through toslink, my DVD player through coax and I even ran my slim devices Transporter through the AES/EBU....with all thee of these sources using the Audio Aero's DAC.

It is only since I got my Anthem D2 that I switched over as the main DAC for all of ther other sources, allthough I still use the Capitole's DAC into the D2 via an analog cable.
ben
66 posts
 
Accustic Arts combo (Drive1 mk2 and dac1 mk4)was much better than Audio Aero for every parameter in my setup however I am going to sell them so that I am going to hard disc route for digital.
jylee OP
306 posts
 
Thanks all for the replies. Elberoth2, thanks for the explanation of the various models. Ben, which Audio Aero model did you compare Accustic Arts combo with?
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