2. amps-preamps
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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@2x
o_holter OP
977 posts
 
Hi - thanks for informed responses!
Audiolabyrinth: I ordered ultra low noise Telefunken NOS ax7 tubes from Brent Jessee. Smooth plate from the 60s I think. They were costly but elevated the Io to a new level. I can turn up the volume to four o'clock before hearing any noise problems and the sound is marvellous. They totally smash the stock tubes, especially after I replaced the secondary gain stage too. Right now I cant remember what is in the third gain stage and 6922 positions but it is American NOS and helps too. I could probably go on and change tubes in the power supplies but have not done so yet.
Syntax: I have no special preference, Aesthetix or Atma-sphere, I own both, and have no commercial interests. Both the Aesthetix Io Eclipse and the Atma-sphere MA-1 are on the top, from what my ears have heard, so far. It may be, I give a little nod to the Io. But then i have not heard the MP-1.
The "dark horse" that I brought into this, Einstein's The tube, surely does not sound washed-out or no bite. Rather, it is very dynamic, perhaps a bit flat. I will find out more, with better tubes.
For the interest of all - I will report back, since direct comparison is so difficult for most of us.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
@ Albertporter, wow!, You are a asset to me, Thankyou so much!, I am doing extensive modds to a vincent cd-s7 player which single handily out performed the double the price Ayon cd-2s player in the vincent player's stock form,I am changeing the XLR out-puts to Furetech Ft-785m, and implementing a real balanced circuit inside the player, going with Tara Labs Internal Gen 2 insulated 24 awg wire, changeing the IEC to Furetech, changeing the Recepticle at the wall to Oyaide R-1 recepticle with carbon plate, and I Have The Tara Labs cobalt power cord with top Oaide IEC and plug on the power cord, The tube recommendations you have given are being noted to try, what year and type Telefunken 12AX7 tube is best in your opinion?, Thankyou.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Albertporter, I believe I have a 6z4 tube in the power supply of the player I have, what do you believe will be a good recommendation for that roll?
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o_holter OP
977 posts
 
Hi Albert Porter - you wrote "the Einstein gets a massive upgrade when you remove the 12AU7 tubes and replace with 5814 CBS Hytron" - do you remember, what 12AU7? I got the Hytron today, and have tried a few hours. Promising. It turned out, there was a Sylvania 5963 (green label) sitting in the 12AU7 position.
Thanks Oystein
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o_holter OP
977 posts
 
Apropos tube rolling: in this case I got a preamp that according to the seller was bought new in 2011 or so, has been left on mostly, and has not had any tube change. So that is 3-4 years of running. Is "best practice" in this case, take out all the tubes, clean sockets and pins, and put them back? Or leave them be?
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