Audio Aero Capitole 24/192 too foward and bright?

I would like to apologize to SOS for my comment in the first paragraph of my response. After reading it again, once the post was made, I realize it may have been a bit harsh. I was out of line.

Although I feel the way I do about SOS' comments, it would have been more proper for me to respond to it in email.

Sorry!

Thank you J Tinn accepted.

One thing that has to be said about the volume control of the Audio Aero : as far as i can understand, the aero has an analog output stage (tube) which means it does not control the volume digitally, unlike the accuphase gear. So it would be fair to say that the Audio Aero DOES NOT have the problem most CD players have running direct, the fact that you lose detail and depth when you lower the volume. And a lot of people feel that part of the magic of the audio aero is running it direct.

Cheers

I've found the sound of the Aero to be pleasing both running direct and through my Presence Audio pre-amp. Clearly, system balance and preference will play a role in which route sounds best, but it's nice to have a choice.

Running direct sounds a tad more immediate, lively and engaging, but running through the pre-amp certainly doesn't wreck the sound, and in some ways--richness, air, harmonics, I prefer it. When running direct vs through a preamp the type of amplification one uses is, of course, critical to the sound. I use the solid state Edge amp, so having a minimalist tube-line stage in between the Aero and the amp isn't necessarily a bad thing. Now, if I were using the Tenors or other high-quality tube amps, well, that might be a whole 'nuther ballgame. :)

As Sos said, it really is about system balance and tuning the system to its most pleasing state--and that is to a large degree, different for everyone.

I've heard the aa mk I and II. (note: jtinn and I are friends).

Not bright nor fatiging at all. It's the smoothest, most analogue sounding cd player I've heard. The tube output stage is simply magical with a tube amplifier. You feel like that 3D, alive and harmonic quality of tubes is reaching all the way back to the source. I get that same effect with my tube phono stage. I've heard lot's of smooth cd players, but this one has extraordinary resolution as well.

I have not heard the EMC, but there are many good comments on it.