Aesthetix Question

Albert, in your comparisons of the Io-only versus the Io-plus-Callisto, you mention using the Koetsu and I'm assuming its the .02mv output Koetsu. Have you made the comparison with a higher output cartridge in the system? Just wondering if the added gain of the Callisto is making a big difference when using an extremely low output cartridge, and wondering if a less pronounced difference would exist if a higher output cartridge were in play. Best regards,

Good question Rushton. I owned a Benz Ruby 2 before the Koetsu, it had an output of only .3 MV. Therefore, my experience is more similar than different with these two cartridges.

I have not experimented with a high output cartridge, but considering the Io is capable of (approx.) 70 DB of gain, it can easily drive every amp made to full output, without exceeding the maximum output voltage.

However, gain, dynamics and headroom combined with musical "ease of presentation" are strange phenomenons. These are as difficult to explain as why two amps with the same rated power seem to perform so differently on the same speakers.

For whatever reason, having the additional gain from a preamp stage makes the music come alive. This is true with both the ARC and the Aesthetix preamp.

We all know that when the equipment has reserve and power waiting in the wings, the ability to bring the most miniscule detail or loudest passage of music to center stage makes the difference in believability.

Having said all that, there are many fine audio systems that would be improved by inserting an Io without benefit of a preamp. The two together is ideal, the Io alone is still better than many options available.

I have a bad habit of presenting things from a point of absolute. I suppose from working at perfecting two channel sound for so many years.

I want to share my experiences and thank Albert Porter for spending time to help me evaluate my system and make some recommendations.

First: The Steelhead although very quiet, detailed and fast, in my system simply was not as musical as the IO Signature. Actually the difference was significant and on different types of music.

Second: Both the Steelhead and the Io have volume controls and I listened to each unit without a line stage with the notion, that I could run the unit directly into the amps and eliminate the expence of a costly line stage. No such luck, in both instances, I was forced to reinsert the Audio Research Line stage, because it added immediacy, a much larger soundstage that extended outside the perimeter of the speakers and a vitality or palpability to the music that was missing.

Third: Changing out the tubes in the IO, in my opinion was an added bonus. To be able to extract more performance from this unit at such a reasonable cost is a deal. Once again Albert's experience paid off.

When I assembled the system initially, I felt that it had the potential to sound very natural and at times a little like live music. The mods we made to the system, in my opinion advances this process.

I use a Aesthetix Callisto Line Stage ( Signature ), not a IO, but I can say some general:

From my experience ( digital and analog ) is the use of a line stage with a phono stage always superior than a CD/analog with vol pots.

( This is something for people who want to save money and want to believe, they have made the super deal ...).

Reliability
Absolutely no problems

Tubes ( NOS )
Based on my NON experience - my Magnum Dynalab MD 108 runs with stock tubes, too - with that, I use the factory ones and the unit is superior to all I listened before.
Maybe in my country with stable voltage, the unit is not that sensitive than in USA, or my System is more carefully matched than others.
I have here 235V and all is excellent.

But when Albert Porter writes, that using NOS tubes is a step forward I believe him ( I will ask him for a recommendation ..), he is a honest and a remarkable man who does it his own way.
( When his opinion about the Manley/Aesthetix is going to a seperate direction than some reviewers, I am more interested in his explanation ).

Reviews
I read lots of them and honestly I get tired of them.
I don't want to discuss that, some of you will know what I mean, but I prefer the opinion from a independent user ( here Albert, me and others ....) - who use their own money to stay independent - MUCH more than from those, who find the new sensation every month.

Well, I enjoy my Aesthetix every moment I use it and when the day will come to think about a ( additional ) Phonostage, on my top list is the IO Sign. without vol. pots.

interesting thread. i owned the original Aesthetix Io for 2 years and then had the priviledge of having an Io Signature with dual power supplies and volume controls to compare to my original Io and my Lamm LP2. i also had previously tried the Callisto Signature in my system but not with the Io Signature.

i found that in my particular system, i always preferred a passive volume control (Placette RVC) to either the volume pots in the Io Signature or the Callisto. the immediacy, inner texture and micro-dynamics were always better (and these are my personal sonic priorities). soundstage size was slightly better with the active volume controls but at a loss of detail in my system.

while i ultimately preferred the much lower noise floor of the Lamm LP2 to the Aesthetix Io Signature; i never tried rolling the tubes in the Io's so i can't say what difference this might have made (i am told it is significant). the Io's were both wonderful, and i highly recommend them.....but at least consider passive before you dismiss it. if your system conforms to it's requirements you will get a little closer to the music.

btw, i later had a BAT VK-10SE in my system for about a week to compare to my Lamm LP2. well.....it was very good, but not close to the Lamm LP2 in my system. my opinion is that the Aesthetix Io and especially the Io Signature are also quite a bit better than the BAT VK10SE.