Capitole II P4

About the Capitole II P4

The Audio Aero Capitole Mk II P4 is a sophisticated digital front-end combining a CD player, DAC, and preamplifier with volume control. It uses a 32-bit SHARC DSP for asynchronous upsampling and reclocking, converting all inputs to a high precision 24-bit/192kHz signal. The D/A conversion is performed by a high-performance 24-bit/192kHz DAC operating at 6.144MHz. The analog output stage incorporates sub-miniature Philips JAN 6021W tubes directly soldered to the PCB, delivering a warm, musical sound with excellent resolution and soundstage. It supports multiple digital inputs including USB asynchronous, BNC, RCA, TOSLINK, and AT&T, plus analog inputs and outputs in both single-ended RCA and balanced XLR formats. The player features a high-quality ladder attenuator for volume control in the analog domain, allowing it to function as a preamplifier with up to 7V output to drive virtually any amplifier. The chassis is robustly built with steel and aluminum, and the CD drive is a Philips CD Pro-2 mounted on vibration-damping elements with a magnetic puck clamp. The unit offers a frequency response from 3Hz to 48kHz (-1dB) with high signal-to-noise ratio (~125-129 dB) and low total harmonic distortion (<0.1%). It is praised for its liquid smoothness, excellent soundstaging, and inner resolution, making it one of the best sounding CD players of its class. The remote control includes phase reversal and display brightness options. Dimensions are approximately 17.8 x 17.7 x 4.7 inches, weighing about 32.6 lbs. Price is around .