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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Ag insider logo xs@2xo_holter
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
I believe that you're doing fine with the Einstein and tube rolling options. I'd be surprised if you preferred the Ayre to what you have now. You're on a good path with your current direction. If you can directly compare these two, go for it. My bet would be that you'll keep the Einstein.
Charles,
Ag insider logo xs@2x
o_holter OP
977 posts
 
Thanks! My thought also. I have become more concerned with the music lately. I think its a sign that the preamp is doing its job.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
O_holter,
You're absolutely right! As my system has evolved over time, the more immersed in the sheer joy of music I became. The hifi/audiophile concerns withered significantly. That's why I feel that you're doing it right with your recent choices. Superior components will undoubtedly "connect" you emotionally towards the pure pleasure of the music you love.
Charles,
Ag insider logo xs@2x
o_holter OP
977 posts
 
Another little test. After two days with the Telefunken 12au7, I switched to the RCA 12bh7 that measured best of the three I got recently. The effect was much like the first 12bh7 I tried (replacing CBS Hytron). The soundstage seemed a bit bigger and closer. More bass. I do like the Telefunken sound, but it feels more closed in. Too early to say since it needs more break-in. Also I should try the Hytron again. It seems like a mid-alternative between the more closed-in but detailed Telefunken and the bigger sound of the 12bh7. But if I had to grab just one tube and be done with it, it would be the 12bh7.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
o_holter OP
977 posts
 
What I find interesting about tube rolling is that the effect, in my experience, is often bigger than the effects of changing power cords, feet etc. At least it seems so in this case. I would say that the effects of changing the 12au7 tube in the Einstein are clear, like lifting the component half a class higher. "A-" to "A" in Stereophile (but I hate "classes" and all this easy divisioning). I know I can help with a better power cord (or damping etc) also, but it is usually smaller increments. It is somewhat paradoxical that an already "engaging" component sounds even better with a "bigger-sounding" tube, but it seems to be the case. Especially at moderate-to-high volumes.
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