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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
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?
ben
66 posts
 
It was Capitole Reference cd player.
jylee OP
306 posts
 
Ben, could you describe in which ways Accustic Arts were better? I haven't heard Capitole, but since they have tubed output stage I assume the sound characteristics are somewhat different from Accustic Arts.
golden_ears
224 posts
 
I have heard both and I disagree that the Accustic Arts combo is "much better" than the Audio Aero. Both are very good, and the real choice and expressed preferences may boil down to personal tastes.
Many players like Accustic Arts have a reputation for being ultra-detailed and are a little tilted-up in the higher frequencies, but that can become fatiguing.
The Audio Aero offers great performance across the frequency range and while maybe not as ultra-detailed as the Accustic Arts, with their patented STARS system and tubed analogue output Audio Aero offers a more natural, musical presentation and are never fatiguing to listen-to.
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