2. amps-preamps
  3. 1397501648

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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albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 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 had the IO Eclipse here and ran it paired with Einstein The Tube, Ypsilon PST 100 preamp, The Messenger, an Allnic L-3000 (original small transformer) model and Aesthetix Callisto Eclipse.

The part you need to know is the Einstein gets a massive upgrade when you remove the 12AU7 tubes and replace with 5814 CBS Hytron.

I don't think you can prepare for what that does to the Einstein, you might be happy for a long time. This takes away a bit of the electronic but preserves the dynamics and resolution. It's different than what the others I mention bring to the balance but all are very good quality pieces.
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o_holter OP
977 posts
 
Thanks, Albert, for interesting advice, which I will follow. You probably mean the one 12AU7 tube (only one in The Tube mk2). Do you remember the type of 5814 CBS Hytron? There are some at Ebay, some with orange and some with blue letters. Some are called "CBS Hytron 5814 A Black Plates D-Getter". These may be the same tube, not sure.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
@ Albertporter, Hi, Will the 5814 CBS Hytron tube go in the place of any 12AU7 tube socket that is used in other name brands of componets, never heard of this tube, where is it made, and by who, what is the projected life span, where do you get them from, Is there a specific year that is very good?
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o_holter OP
977 posts
 
I did some more listening with the Einstein at low-moderate levels (since the family protested last night). It doesn't evoke the grand passions of the higher level but it still sounds very good.
I wonder, would it sound even better if I turned the amp gain a bit down. If I remember right, it is possible to do this in the MA-1, simply by taking out a pair of output tubes.
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Thanks, Albert, for interesting advice, which I will follow. You probably mean the one 12AU7 tube (only one in The Tube mk2). Do you remember the type of 5814 CBS Hytron?

I thought I remembered there were two in the Einstein but perhaps I remember wrong. I looked for nearly an hour today to find that tube, I know it's around here somewhere.

I know the box was military type, brown cardboard and very old. Perhaps 1940s (or 1950s at latest).

Audiolabyrinth
@ Albertporter, Hi, Will the 5814 CBS Hytron tube go in the place of any 12AU7 tube socket that is used in other name brands of components, never heard of this tube, where is it made, and by who, what is the projected life span, where do you get them from, Is there a specific year that is very good?

Audiolabyrinth, this tube will work where 12AU7 is called for. I checked the Sams tube manual and it's electrically fully compatible.

CBS Hytron is an old USA brand, found at specialty tube dealers and Ebay. Life span is determined by the circuit it's placed in, some equipment is easy on tubes and some are brutal, making for short life.

The tube is extremely high quality as are most USA and Euro tubes from 40s and 50s.
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