Aero Capitole as a preamp?


Im thinking of rearranging my system and wonder if the Aero will be a good preap for my analog system, and is it better, worse or the same as my current preamp. Currently I have a Aesthetix Calypso and the analog front end it TNT 5 with the Whest phono stage. The Capitole would replace the Calypso, Sony 9000es VSD level 5 and one interconnect and one power cord. Does it make sence?

Thanks

Jpr
128x128jpr

Showing 2 responses by ckoffend

Having owned the Capitole and having run it in both direct and via separate preamp, my answer depends on the quality of your preamp.

The Calypso is a pretty darn good preamp, so your results are not likely to improve, the question would be would they suffer? Possibly some.

I ran my Capitole directly to a Mark Levison amp with Wilson Duette speakers in a small room, set up as a second system and I loved the Capitoles performance. In this same system, I found that the use of either a Cary SLP 2002 or a BAT VK 5i did not show much noticeable improvement over running directly. In my other system in a much larger room (comparitively speaking), it sounded better through either of these preamps running with Watt/Puppy speakers.

If you require selling the Calypso et al to buy the Capitole, I would second guess this move. It may leave you without a preamp you probably really like and a sound that does not improve. Additionally, I have a bit of concern with the reliability of the AA units - they are made in France.