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Digital Drive: REVIEW: Audio Aero Capitole CD Player 24/192 CD Player/Recorder by denf

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REVIEW: Audio Aero Capitole CD Player 24/192 CD Player/Recorder

205.188.208.75


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Model: Capitole CD Player 24/192
Category: CD Player/Recorder
Suggested Retail Price: $6,000
Description: Exclusive STARS?32bitFP/192kHz processing for a 24bit/192kHz inside re-sampling, subminiature tube output stage, digital input and remoted volume control
Manufacturer URL: Audio Aero
Model Picture: View

Review by denf ( A ) on October 19, 2002 at 06:58:29
IP Address: 205.188.208.75
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for the Capitole CD Player 24/192


Summary:
This CD player is a true audio masterpiece.

It brings to life ANY cd that is placed in it, like no other digital (or otherwise) pc. of gear I've ever heard.

Indeed, it's THE ONLY digital set-up I've heard that can finally match a great analog/vinyl front end. It has that elusive "continuesness" of an Analog Master tape. Those of you who own a top notch analog playback set up will know EXACTLY what I'm referring to.

It achieves this remarkable virtual-reality trick, not just by extracting every last ounce of detail (which it of course does), but by blending to complete accuracy, ALL of the dynamic shadings and graduations that again, are only heard live or on a studio master tape.

The high frequencies are especially well reproduced, to a degree that I never thought I would hear through the "conventional" Redbook processed CD.

While it does not have HDCD, it still manages it's remarkable sonic sleight-of-hand with EVERY CD played, regardless of the recoding/processing technique that was used. In fact, it actually brings greater improvement to CD's which I once thought, were/are poorly mastered. This is a God-send for those of us not wishing to replace our vast, already invested collection of CD's with the latest, greatest new CD/DVD format.

I've heard a couple SACD players as well as a DVD Audio, ALL fell well short of the crushing musicality of this remarkable machine.

Especially nice is the built-in buffered volume out feature, which allows for the cleanest possible output to your systems, with no weak link between it's magic and your amp of choice.

My only complaints are from a strictly mechanical side; as mentioned, there's no provision for switching polarity (which at this caliber, can actually be "heard"), the remote is a bit of a pain to use, the overall construction of the player is not of the "built like a tank" quality of the other "big boys".

However, as you would have to spend MUCH more, to begin to even approach this level of sonic excellence, I unquestionably have to give it an easy 5 stars all around.

If you haven't auditioned a new CD player in a while, or are resisiting holding out until the format-wars dust settles, you owe it to yourself to hear this incredible machine.

I guess we can add "CD players" to the fabulous list of wine & exotic cars that the French folk are able to produce.

BRAVO Audio Aero!

Strengths:
Many. Gets it where it really counts -- right to the heart & soul of the recording.

Weaknesses:
Build quality not quite up there when compared to Levinsons, Krells, etc. No "absolute phase" switch. Remote is not particularly "user friendly".
Ultimately though, there's not enough free time in a day to listen to it.

Similar Products Used:
Back to the beginning...
Denon DCD-1500II, DCD-1520
C.A.L. Tercet Mk III
Adcom GDA600
McCormack Prism II
JVC 1050TN w/PS Audio Ultralink II
Sonic Frontiers SFD-D2 w/PS Audio Lambda
Theta "Miles"
Mark Levinson No.39


Product Weakness: None at this price, really.
Product Strengths: Easy, Liquid analog-like reproduction.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Llano "Trinity 400S"
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): NONE! Run "direct"!
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Well Tempered "Classic V"
Speakers: Martin-Logan Odyssey
Cables/Interconnects: Analysis Plus Silver Oval/Oval 9, Granite single crystal Silver
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Prog. rock, jazz-fusion, calssical
Room Size (LxWxH): 18 x 16 x 12
Room Comments/Treatments: Coner tunes
Time Period/Length of Audition: 1 year
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): PS Audio P300, Quantum Symphony
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Audio Aero Capitole CD Player 24/192 CD Player/Recorder - denf 06:58:29 10/19/02 ( 8)