Aesthetix IO vs. Manley Steelhead vs. The Groove

Albert,

Yes, the test was over within an hour in my home. With all due respect to EveAnna and the fine people at Manley, for my system and what I was yearning for with analog, it wasn't close (again this was with stock tubes in both units).

For the Io, I just purchased 14 NOS 12AX7s (Telefunken blue label), NOS 6922s (I have Mullard 6922s) and bought NOS Amperex white and green lable 7308s), NOS RCA red base 5692s (I also have Mullards and Ken Rads) and NOS Amperex EL-34s and GEC KT-66s.

So we will see what happens. Rayhall, I will keep you posted! If it gets much better I may have to be committed!!!

Thanks again Albert!

Frank- It doesn't need to get any better, in my opinion you should be committed already :0)- you left yourself open for that one!

Frank, what could possibly be next? New speakers?

How does the retubed unit sound?

Your question about the sound of a retubed unit:
I use a Callisto Signature withe NOS Telefunkens ( 12AX7 ), Mullard (EL34) and RCA (5692) tubes very close to these above.
It simply sounds real ( natural ? ), the soundstage is bigger and more open, the dynamics is improved and it is simply not possible for me, to go back. I can not find any weakness.

It is like another owner once wrote me, that it is simply impossible to be without it.
(And I seriously think about purchasing an IO sign.)