Stereophile's A+ vs A rating leaves a question

If you're interested in Red Book only, the Audio Aero Capitole was the CD player that captured the hearts (and ears)of many, myself included, at the Las Vegas C.E.S./The EXPO shows. Great upsampling makes this unit sound very analog like. The usual telltale digital artifacts on the strings was totally absent (to my ears). Also, this unit can be used as a DVD-A converter with a digital input. A very sweet unit! Check it out at www.globeaudiomkt.com. Sorry, but due to the controversies surrounding SACD, the limited releases, and mercenary prices for software, I'm just going to wait before investing in SACD format! Happy Tunes

Just spoke today with Andy Bowman at Vintage Tube Services (616-454-3467) about this same question of availability. Relax! These tubes (Nu-vistors) are in plentiful supply. The was a story awhile back that Musical Fidelity bought up all of the remaining supply of Nu-vistors. Not true! Also, I believe that the Nu-vistors are good for about 50,000-100,000 hours, or a minimum of 5-10 years, if the unit is left on 24/7! Also, if there is no dealer in your area, you can have one shipped to you from an out-of-state dealer, and save quite a few bucks in sales tax! Happy Tunes!

Keis, there are several exceptional after market facilities that do repairs and modifications. If you own a classic piece of equipment, there will always be someone to do the work (look at the old tube gear from the '60's....Marantz, Dynaco, etc. An advantage of a smaller company is that you don't have to pay the HUGE costs of infrastructure and advertising. Hey, how much of your purchase price of a piece Cary or Levinson gear goes to the advertising budget?