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Calling all Aesthetix Callisto / Io Owners

I have owned an Io (standard version with 1 power supply) for a little over a year. I replaced all the tubes in the audio chassis with Telefunken tubes and this was a huge improvement. And this week I took delivery of a Callisto (signature with 1 power supply).

1: Since I also have another line stage here (BAT 31SE) I would like to try both of the Aesthetix power supplies for the Io to see if I ultimately want to go with two supplies here. I would also like to try both power supplies in the Callisto to hear what is gained over just one P.S. But I see that the power cables between the PowerSupply chassis and the Io have different pinouts than the cables used to the Callisto. Are the power supplies interchangeable or are they pinned specifically for either the Io or Callisto?

2: Are there tubes within the Callisto that significantly benefit from tube rolling?

3: Has anyone done a shootout between the Standard and Signature Io? .... and what were the differences?

4: On the Callisto, when I move the "Right Level" control, there is a slight crackle/static sound from full attenuation to the first step and then again in the next 2-3 steps. From then on the noise is gone. I have swapped tubes between the L & R channels, swapped power cables between L & R, tried using a different set of inputs, swapping outputs to opposite amp inputs, etc. The problem stays with the right side. Does the right level control need to be "cleaned"?

Thank you in advance for any input here.

John
jafox
jafox OP
1,456 posts
 
A most valuable post indeed. Very much appreciated, Albert. I will try some of the recommended tubes to learn if they make as huge a difference in the Callisto as did so many tube changes in the Io. Fun Fun.
exlibris
438 posts
 
I'm looking to upgrade my linestage and the Callisto is high on my list because of what I've read on these forums (especially from Jafox). I'm not able to borrow one to demo it in my system but I was able to borrow an Io with dual PS, and volume controls (not signature). I'm running my digital front end through it right now.
How much difference is there between the perfomance of the line input on the Io vs. a Callisto signature?
Though I like what I'm hearing, I'd have to say that the sound (so far) is too dark and 'woolly'/fuzzy for my taste.
I'm comparing it to the EMM Labs DCC2, which I own, and the Hovland 100, which I borrowed.
Thanks.
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
Exlibris, there is a pretty significant difference between an Io Signature and the standard Io in that the Signature version delivers greater resolution, more neutral presentation and improved high frequency extension, among other things. Tube choices will certainly change the sonic signature as well. How this translates into what you may be hearing while listening only to the high level input of the standard Io with volume controls, I can't answer.

Albert Porter and others have noted that the addition of Callisto Signature as the linestage (compared to an Io Signature with volume controls) adds materially to overall dynamics and soundstage capabilities. I've not heard the comparison myself, but I trust Albert's comments.
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exlibris
438 posts
 
Rushton, thank you. I don't think I'll get a chance to hear a Callisto signature in my system, however.
hemisferik
22 posts
 
Just received an IO with volume controls with two power supplies, previously had VTL 7.5 MK 2 with Gryphon Legato Phone stage.

Source is Rockport Sirius 3 with Clearaudio Goldfinger.

The IO sounds beautiful and a considerable improvment, we only have one other source (CD) is the addition of the Callisto with 2 x power supplies really any better than this?
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