2. amps-preamps
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The elite phono stages VS. Full function Pre-amps

I currently use an Aesthetix Io mark2 w/ a First Sound Presence Del Mk. 2 and am enjoying very good results with this combo. While simply having the bug to upgrade, we all look to address what may be the week link in our systems to upgrade. I do believe the perfomance of the Aesthetix would be hard to beat after preferring its sound to other stand alone phono stages I have compared it to. I am considering comparing my current linestage-phono setup to a few of the premier Full- function pre-amps such as the Vac PHI 2.0, or the Messenger, with the benefit of one less cable (phono to linestage interconnect) in my system. However , I also think the Io is so good, that it would be foolish not to take the Io Signature upgrade path , or/and upgrading the First Sound.I would greatly appreciate any thoughts on this subject.
fjn04
fjn04 OP
1,561 posts
 
I have no direct experience with the Thor gear, but I did do an A-B comparison of the Aesthetix Io vs. the ART AUDIO ref. vinyl phono stage and preferred and kept my IO. I know the Thor is highly regarded and would look forward to hearing your future results.
g_m_c
443 posts
 
Interesting, the ariaaudio pre (if i read correctly) will not handle mc cartridges, very strange,,,
jafox
1,466 posts
 
G_m_c: Read the page again. Michael Elliot writes that he will not handle the MC gain through active circuits but rather with an step-amp transformer because of the noise issue. It sounds like he has a few different companies that will source him some models to try.
aroc
760 posts
 
Maybe your should consider a different route for SOTA performance? How about a respected full function preamp that is "highly modified?" And I mean 'highly' modified. Granted glowing reports for their owners would undoubtly be biased, but they do have their cult following. It's sort of like the High Efficiency / High Sensitivity thing - either they know something we don't or they're just senile. Either that or drop $30k on something equivalent. The choice is yours. Maybe you should check it out?
yioryos's avatar
yioryos
723 posts
 
Jafox Hi
Interesting concept.Only in High-end.Did you buy an Aria Serial Number?
Best
George
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