Audio Aero Capitole Classic vs. Ayon CD-2

I recently had an extended audition in my system with the AA Capitole SE. In my system, the music imaged forward, and had a very lively energy that was great with rock music.

Unfortunately, the sound was a bit hyperdynamic, forward, and a bit tipped upward in the upper midrange. I realize this isn't the conventional sound for AA, but this is how it came out in my Ayre/JM Lab Utopia system. It's ineresting that a few other posters have also noticed this in the SE.

YMMV.

I have compared these two products side-by-side in a tube integrated based system with Gemme Audio Katana and LeHave Audio Angelus speakers. The Audio Aero is good without question, yet the Ayon CD2 wins out significantly on facilities, overall presentation of sonics and most importantly, PRICE ! Some of the well reviewed players are gonna need a re-design to meet the Ayons performance ans sonics at $5500 USD retail

Well I've heard the Ayon CD-2 as well. Not the Audio Aero but some other very fine players and I thought the Ayon was very good. The built in "pre" is also a bonus.

I've not listened to the Audio Aero, but I recently purchased the Ayon CD2, and I can say is WOW! It's like the musicians are right in the room with you. It's just a great piece of equipment, built like a tank, too.

One thing- if you want a tube CD player to do some tube rolling, don't get the Ayon. They use proprietary tubes, and tube rolling is NOT recommended.

I have a AA Capitol Classic SE and an Ayon CD-5. I have compared them side by side for several months.

I always like the AA better. It is smoother and has more air around the voices and instruments. It has a delicateness and a inner-soul that the Ayon does not have. True- the Ayon is slightly more dynamic and slightly more transparent- but not by much. The air of the AA and the rythmic musicality in my opinion are superior than the Ayon CD-5. I like it better overall