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Preamp for Aesthetix / Atma-sphere

Hi

I have the Aesthetix Io Eclipse with volume and dual power supplies, Atma-sphere MA-1 monoblocs (140 watts) and Audiokinesis Dream Maker (93 db sensitive) speakers. These are great components. My question is about system synergy, how to make them play together.

I have been running the Io direct to my amps since I first bought the Mk2 version back in 2004. At the time, I had a Krell FPB600, and in that context, it was a blessing, and a great step up from the Krell KAV 250p preamp. I'll never forget my first impression with the Io - it was like going from the wooded hills up into the mountains. There was no going back.

With volume, the Io functions as a preamp. It looks like a preamp. Someone here on A-gon said going direct is best - which I interpreted as: it IS a preamp! So I thought, OK I have a combined phono and preamp - problem fixed. But it wasn't.

From recent testing I have finally become convinced that the Io does benefit from a separarate preamp. Even if clarity and detail is better going direct from the Io to the amps, the punch and "here-ness" of the music is clearly better with a preamp in the chain, at least in my system.

Trouble is, which preamp? I am testing a small solid state Musical Innovation preamp, which helps with the punch but veils the music. An optimal solution might be the Aesthetix Callisto, preferably with dual power - but I don't have the space, and I already have a lot of tubes and tube heat. I have space for one or possibly two boxes.

From what I have heard so far, a solid state might do the job well (in my tube-rich context), however it should not impart any s-state artifacts or reduce the resolution from the Io Eclipse.

The ideal would be to test a few tube and s-state preamps, and then decide. However, this is difficult where I live, so advice is welcome.

My question relates to my own setup of course, but is relevant for everyone with a top phono stage on the one hand and amps on the other. What is best in the middle?

From recent testing I have learned that problems that I thought were related to the speakers, the phono pre, the pickup and so on, were in fact related to the preamp issue. For example, the Dream Makers straight from the Io may sound a bit lazy and washed out in the bass, very clear in mid and treble but not fully embodied. Plugging in the solid state pre, the situation becomes dramatically different, now the speakers are driving, propulsive. Very enjoyable, but some detail is lost and some transistor things added that I don't want.

So I am looking for a solution with most of the plusses, and not much of the minuses. The preamp must be fully balanced with XLR in / out.
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Ag insider logo xs@2xo_holter
vicdamone
850 posts
 
I had a similar experience as Thekong with the Callisto with different tube mono blocks. Of course its all synergy and taste.

I found a Purity preamplifier to be more to my taste. In your case a conversation with the manufacture regarding compatibility would seem like a must.

http://www.purityaudiodesign.com/contact.htm
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,849 posts
 
The reason we created the MP-1 is that we needed a preamp that used the same direct-coupled technology at its output that our amplifiers use (and were looking for the same transparency thus granted by that approach). This makes it very different from most tube preamps.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
o_holter OP
977 posts
 
Clearly, a listening test would be interesting! That's my summary of comments so far. The Callisto, the MP-1 and Einstein The Tube all sound very good - but which is best, using the Io Eclipse as input, and Atma amps as output? There are two potential synnergies here, both with the phono (get the Callisto) and with the amps (get the MP-1). Or The Tube is actually right there up front. Who knows? Comparisons would be useful.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
o_holter OP
977 posts
 
So far, the verdict has been in the direction of Callisto, but I like the OTL sound (or lack of it) so I am open to the MP-1 also. For now, for a lower price, the Einstein serves me well, also in the sense that I hear more of my phono and amp upgrades. The grip on the speakers is excellent. Perhaps a bit too muscular, not as refined as some preamps, can't judge, but a big step up for me. Budget did not allow the others (or, ideally, comparing all three). Albert, you are right that I am drawn to the Io Eclipse sound, all the more so since I changed from a worn Lyra Titan to a new Atlas nine months ago. This really sounds excellent. For some reason (German engineering?), with the new preamp, I have especially loved the sound with new elektro music like the "Vermont" LP. BTW I thought that a one-box solution would give less heat, but that is not the case, The Tube runs very hot, perhaps the equal to a Callisto with one power supply. I measure 75 degrees Celsius at the top of the transformers, but Einstein support says don't worry. The preamp can be improved by a pair of NOS 6922 tubes for the relevant input, in my case, the Io phono stage, and perhaps a NOS au7. I will order some tubes, to try. For now, this is clearly the best I have heard, from my system as a whole.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Congratulations on your much improved sound performance! A high quality active preamp again demonstrating their value in obtaining improved enjoyment, music reproduction and emotional connection.IMO they are essential.
Charles,
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