To Aesthetix users

An update. Jim and I have definitely identified this as RF and narrowed it down to the Io. It's not tube noise and it's not a grounding problem and it's not coming from the turntable. It doesn't make any difference which outlet it's plugged into, and it doesn't make a difference which circuit it's plugged into in the house.

Next test will be borrowing some longer interconnects so that I can move the Io around and see if the RF is being transmitted through the air.

If that doesn't work it, it's a dedicated line to the Io and/or borrowing Running Springs Duke power filter dedicated solely to the Io.

I thought regular readers might appreciate an update!

Patrick

I plugged mine into a Power Wedge Ultra 116 and noticed a slight buzz. However the buzz was resolved when I plugged it into the wall outlet.

The latest on my Io Sig and RF saga, if anyone is still reading:

I moved the Io power supply away from the windows (back toward where the system originally resided), which also took it further away from the ExactPower.

Massive decrease in RF. It's still there, but nowhere near as loud. Still a problem if I'm listening to sparse acoustic performances at high volumes, or if I'm listening on headphones.

Next thing will be to try to move both the Io and the power supply even further back into the room, which will need some rearranging, to say the least.

Still no word back from Lenny at Running Spring Audio with his Duke power filter - just emailed him again.

Jim White has been most helpful and even listened to the RF over the phone to try to diagnose. I have a feeling that physical location in my apartment is going to be key here, perhaps with the addition of a dedicated line and/or dedicated power filter for the Io.

Larry, I've got to return your Versalab Red Rollers - thanks again for the loaner!

Patrick

Oh yes - from an early recommendation on this thread, I should also mention that I got some DeOxit Gold Cleaner (it came with a free sample of the Conditioner, which supposedly maintains the cleanliness).

First try was on the crappy original AC cord to my Garrrard turntable. This was almost a joke, but it was definitely the oldest and most corroded plug in my system. When we plugged it back in (and played the same piece), my audiophile friend and I virtually leapt out of our seats - the improvement was so marked! Improved bass transients, better resolution, sweeter highs - and this was only on an AC cord turning the turntable motor! Really our first reaction was being more drawn into the music (Enrico Mainardi playing a Tartini cello concerto), and then we dissected the details.

A smoothly turning turntable motor really is an important thing!

Next try was on the AC pins of the Io's power supply. The change here was much less marked, but I guess the pins were much cleaner (and newer).

More results as I gradually clean stuff. I don't have any other contacts with visible oxidation, so that turntable motor cord might have been the big winner.

Patrick

Hello Patrick,

Keep cleaning your contacts...especially those carrying audio signals. Dirty contacts here exacerbate RF. Moving that Io will make things better or disapear wrt RF.

Are you exhausted yet?!