Pass Labs Xono vs. Aesthetix Rhea

Pass Xono
+ silent, good gain, reliable
- sounds sterile, thin and analytic, far away from the real thing

Aesthetix
+ multiple Phono Inputs, Remote, lots of settings and gains
- in higher gain the noise is too strong, lacks detail

I have the Xono in an all-Pass electronic chain. As Syntax writes, it is silent, with plenty of gain and very reliable. What some find sterile, analytic etc, I find transparent. Like a good pre, I don't want to hear the phono. I just want an accurate RIAA curve and gain, and flexible loading. Perhaps I am hearing synergy with the Pass pre and class A amps, but it is far from cold/sterile/analytic. I have little experience with other phonos and plan to try the new Pass XP-25.

I agree that you should try many competing units in your own system to be sure.

Bravo Syntax, exactly what I was going to write. You read my mind

I am also just setting up a TT, mine is scheduled to arrive Sept.22. I bought a used Pass Xono to match w/my Pass Aleph amps.I have been using a old Kenwood TT that I got for free. Funny thing I am using a Aesthetix Calypso line stage..and have also considered the Rhea. They are pretty close to the same $$$$ used. After some time with the Xono, I will update you with my impressions.
Good luck going back to vinyl. Don't know if it's a costly step back in time or a giant positive leap for my ears....

On the plus side, the Xono does have great build quality, very low noise, lots of gain (good for a low output mc) and is very flexible in terms of cartridge loading so you'll get the ideal set-up with it. If you're just getting into vinyl, I can't imagine why you'd want multiple phono inputs or a remote with a phono stage.

The Xono absolutely does not sound thin and analytic. It is annoyingly "gray" to me but you might not notice that if you're used to the sound of CDs and have never heard a lot of good vinyl playback. Tonal colors and immediacy are lacking due to all the caps in the signal path. It's still a really good piece and a great value used.

Overall the choice depends on the rest of your system and most especially the output of your cartridge.