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Help: my phono preamp is blowing away my linestage

I recently was fortunate enough to acquire an Aesthetix Io Signature phono stage that has taken my system to a whole new level. But now I fear that my old Rogue 99 Magnum linestage is holding back the full capabilities of the Io.

I can't afford to buy an Aesthetix Callisto or Calypso, and indeed I spend most of my time listening to vinyl (but perhaps I'd listen to more CDs if I had a better linestage).

I figure I can spend up to about $2500 on a better linestage. Can I improve on the Rogue for this sum?

Patrick
patrickamory
plato
1,543 posts
 
Patrick, the P/LD-2000 has been discontinued, but you still see them pop up here on A-gon now and then. They are quite a bargain. I doubt that their current offerings are as good.
patrickamory OP
193 posts
 
Hi denf: not from preamp manufacturers (so far as I'm aware!) but from discussions here and at AA. It seems that many people try out a good passive like the Bent, initially like it, and then switch to an active such as an Audion.

My understanding is that synergy is particularly important for passives - source output impedance, amp input impedance, cable length and other variables - perhaps this is why some people are down on them. But I do sense a consensus that passives inject incredible transparency into the system, which initially pleases new adopters, but over the long term subtract a certain drive or PRAT from the music.

The Placette would drive me crazy because I demand a manual rotary volume control, by the way...

Patrick
patrickamory OP
193 posts
 
Dweller: re: the Janus, I've heard the Io Sig is miles better than the Rhea, which is the phono section of the Janus... I don't want to give up what I've already got.

Swampwalker: I've heard great things about Supratek, but more about their phono stages than their linestages...
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
Patrick, as already suggested, if you're prepared to spend around $2500 for a linestage, seriously consider sending the Io to Aesthetix to have the volume controls and single switched high level input added. If you listen mostly to vinyl, you may find you like this combination as much as I do. Still allows you to have your CD player plugged into the high level input.
patrickamory OP
193 posts
 
Hi Rushton,

Yes I have been considering this. It's probably the right step. I'm not so into no-remote control and 2 separate volume controls, but it's probably worth the added transparency.

How do you find the quality of the line level?

Patrick
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