Prestige CD/SACD Player, Reference and Signature

Step into the reference player
This player is intended to be the source of a top-ofthe-range audio system. It’s dedicated to the discerning
audiophile looking for the best playback for CDs and SACDs. Due to its integrated preamplifi er, it also reduces
the connections between apparatus and the signal keeps its high quality and transparency. In consequence,
you only have to choose a very high quality interconnect cable.
Our Prestige player is based on the latest generation CD/SACD mechanism from Philips chosen for its
musicality. We applied a specifi c vibration treatment to enhance its reading ability.
This laser mechanism, supported by a thick specifi c aluminium sub-chassis, is implemented in an ultra rigid
chassis. Based on a proprietary aluminium section reducing vibrations, the whole system is mounted on a set
of carbon damping washers and cones.
On the electronic side, digital treatment is achieved by our 2nd generation STARS.module developed by
Anagram Technologies for Audio Aero Design.
Based on a DSP Sharc 32 bit, it performs the following operations that can be divided in 2 for DSD.
e fi rst one is DSD treatment. We took the option to convert DSD to PCM for the following reasons:
- DSD signal generates a strong high frequencies noise
that interferes with audible bandwidth. By converting
DSD to PCM, we reduce this noise in a signifi cant manner
and win 9dB on the signal noise ratio.
- We chose a PCM 24/192 DAC for its better characteristics
than most of DSD converters (in our case, the PCM1792 DAC
from Burr Brown – S/N 127dB)*.
The second part of digital treatment is a 24 bit/ 192 kHz re-sampling
(for original PCM and PCM from DSD conversion): data is shared
from the original clock, a new jitter free clock is created and we
readjust the dataon it. Then we perform an on-demand 1024 times
oversampling on this clean and enhanced signal. This high
resolution 24 bit/ 192 kHz signal is the consequence of millions
calculations per second with any loss of information.
The 5 digital inputs, where can be plugged any PCM output from a
DVD player or DAT, allow a 24/192
re-sampling. So, you can bring any non encoded digital source to the
highest quality level.
Digital to analogue conversion is performed by one of the best DA converters available.
Then, after this top-of-the-range digital treatment, we chose to design an analogue tube output stage.
We selected the double triode sub miniature 6021W tube from Philips Jan. Directly soldered to PCB, without
socket and small sized, this tube built in accordance with military standards, allows avoiding wrong contacts
due to the socket, shortens the signal path and is less sensitive to vibrations than standard tubes. It is also
better adapted to SMD environment.
The volume control - in the analogue domain to avoid any loss of resolution - is performed by a high
quality “ladder” attenuator. Whatever the volume setting, this component is invisible to the signal. The buffer
stage is performed by carefully selected NE5534 mono op amps and professional line drivers for balanced outputs.
This preamp output, with a 7Vrms maximum output voltage, allows driving most of the amps on the
market while you can also use a separated preamp by setting volume control on -10dBr, which will simulate a
2Vrms fi xed output without loss of quality.
This exceptional player, resulting of hours and hours of careful listening, will provide you thrilling and
unequalled emotion.

Prestige CD/SACD Player

Frequency range (16 bit /44.1kHz signal) : 5 Hz - 21 kHz (-1dB)
Frequency range (DSD or 24 bit /96kHz signal) : 3 Hz - 48 kHz (- 1dB )
Output voltage : up to 7 V RMS
Output impedance : 100 ohms
Signal to noise ratio : 127dB
Total harmonic distortion : <0,2 %
Read software : 16 bit / 44.1 kHz audio CD, CD-R, CD-RW, SACD 2 channel
100-240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
Power consumption : 33W
Philips SACD mechanism on a dedicated aluminum suspension
Custom S.T.A.R.S. 2 ® process performing 24 bit / 192 kHz RE-sampling and DSD to PCM bridge
Jitter control software
Burr-Brown PCM1792 24 bit / 192 kHz Digital to Analog converter
Tube 6021W
Volume attenuator
Analog outputs : single-ended RCA and balanced XLR
Analog inputs : single-ended RCA and balanced XLR
Digital output : BNC
Digital inputs : BNC, RCA, AES/EBU, AT&T, TOSLINK
Chassis : 25/10 aluminium
Lid : 40/10 aluminum
Weight : 33 lbs . 15 Kg
Dimensions (W x L x H) : 17.52 x 16.93 x 5.46 inches

I just received this unprompted review from a happy owner.

Hi, my name is Walter, and I've always been into Hi End gear, looking for the Holy Grail in sound. My audio gear consist of Grand Monument Reference, Audio Aero Capitole power amp 50 watts pure class A push pull and the Prestige Audio Aero Signature CD player with a build in pre amp all in one. I've been living with the Audio Aero CD player for over six month. This review is based on the Audio Aero Prestige CD player.

But before going on with the review, I just want to say one thing to Audio Aero, why did you stop making Valve Power Amps? as the Capitole Power Amp would be one of the finest power amps around, if not the best? Anyway back to the review.

I've owned Wadia CD player top of the range and Capitole CD player, I favored the Capitole over the Wadia player. The Prestige sounded better than the Capitole in the way it presented the sound of the instruments, but lacked in the transparency, But it was new out of the box so I kept on playing the CD player on repeat for two week with out listening to it. I did this for about six months with improvements each time. It's amazing how it is so important to burn in a product before judging it.
Once burned in, the transparency side of things is fantastic. It will fill up a room with sounds coming from every where, the sound it true to the ear even at loud volumes, and it never hurts the ears at all.
The improvement over the Capitole CD player was clear. Bass presentation in the lower frequencies are better, as are middle and upper frequencies. In its presentation of the music, the instruments sounded more real, and a lot more open, with a bigger sound stage over the Capitole, which I had previously thought was the Holy Grail in CD players. I was wrong.

But keep in mind that that Audio Aero Prestige that I bought was the Signature not the Reference as the signature has a Cryogenically treated output stage and sub miniature 6021W tubes from Philips Jan. I have heard it will last longer and protect the board when cryogenically treated. It cost more, but was worth the money. This just adds improvements to the sound by making it more open and sweeter to the ear but true to the heart.

Now, on to the pre amp side of the Audio Aero Prestige CD player, which is also better than the Pre section of the Capitole. You can connect single ended RCA and balance XLR for inputs and out puts. All my testing was thru the single ended RCA, I connect a $178 DVD player from Pioneer, thru the audio aero pre, and this cheap DVD player instantly turned into a $3000 dollar player. The improvement is amazing.
The Audio Aero is not cheap, but keep in mind that it has a built-in pre that is equal to the best of them, if not better. For those who only play turntables, because CD player were not true to the sound, now is time to up grade. I was into turntables too, and still am. But I now prefer my CD player.

(I rate this CD player out of 10 for sonic and transparency a big fat 10. With out a doubt)

I highly recommend this product, over any CD player, plus it plays SACD. But it's not needed, as your standard CD discs will amaze, and it's built in pre is to die for. Plus getting the two together saves you money.
This is the best way to describe my system. These are not my words, but relate to my system in every way.

The easiest analogy to draw, is the example of being able to close your eyes when listening to your system, and being able to hear the singer's voice right in front of your face, like they were in the room with you. The beat of a drum should have the dynamics to make you jump out of your listening chair, and at the same time you should be able to hear the smallest vibration in the singer's voice. The sound stage should pull you into the music and be as wide as the Mississippi River, and have tremendous depth to it too, so you can paint a picture in your mind - in full Technicolor, just as if you were there in real life. The vocals should go right through your body and be almost hardwired into your mind to totally envelop the you, without you having to concentrate.
Walter Moro victorianpestcontrol@hotmail.com