IO Signature/Steelhead/Arc Reference/ and Colibrì?

THANKS A LOT.
You all were very helpful.
Fmpnd, could you also point out any possible upgrade for the stock tubes of the Signature IO?
Which one could you suggest to have it quieter?
And more, do you suggest the second power supply or not?
Is the io easly convertible to 220 volts or does it need to be factory changed?
Thanks
Zender

And, moreover, how do you consider the choice of Aesthetix in making the balanced circuit beginning from the second stage and leaving the first unbalanced?
Could it be considered a minus?
Thanks

I've heard the Colibri on a Rockport System III through an updated Vendetta and it just about cracked the slab compared to the tube unit the customer had been using......These aren't easy to find used and my partner takes his time with the updates, but it works really well with the Colibri.....The Generation II Vendetta will be out the end of the year........

Zender,

There are a number of posts on tube rolling for the Io here on A-Gon and many by Albert Porter who has a TON of experience with this unit. A search on "Aesthetix Io" would likely reveal them. There are a number of different tubes to suit different tastes.

For lower noise, I use, as recommended by Albert and others, Telefunken 12AX7s. You can start in the first gain stage (most important) and then experiment from there. They can also be used in the power supply. Many replace the stock 6SN7s with RCA Red base 5692s (I currently have these but am going to try Brinmars and Ken Rads) and replace the stock 6922s with various 6DJ8/6922/7308s. My friend Kevin Tellecamp at Silent Running Audio and I bought and REALLY like the tubes and great customer service we get from Bruce Winger at BWS Consulting (www.bws-tube.com) who provided all the NOS tubes we needed and guarantees satisfaction.

I am using NOS Amperex EL-34s in the power supply where Albert likes Mullards. I also use a Russian 6922 alternative where Albert like Mullards (I usually like Amperex 7308s but didn't like them in this unit for some reason).

As for the second power supply, it really is a cost/benefit analysis based on your own finances and preferences. FOR me, it added a bit (not a ton) of slam, transparency and slightly improved dynamics. If your funds allow it, go for it. If not, you probably won't be unhappy with one.

As for the 220 conversion, I doubt it would be difficult but I would call Jim White for the real answer.

Hello,
I posted a similar question here last year. I recall that Albert Porter and another member here, both with phenomenol systems, preferred their systems with a line stage rather than using the Io straight into their amps. They both claimed there was more dynamics to the sound perhaps due to the additional headroom of the line stage. You may want to do a search here for that discussion as it could prove to be valuable for you. Ultimately I went with the Aesthetix IO and BAT 31SE combo.
John