Recent content by oldvinyl

  1. oldvinyl

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    OGH: for phono inputs, it is more correct to say that the Io has balanced and RCA connectors. Even when using XLR connectors, the phono input on the Io is connected to the first gain stage single-ended (not balanced). There are other phono stages that are fully balanced. My best guess is that...
  2. oldvinyl

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    Just to clarify - the Io is balanced/differential internally from the second gain stage to the outputs, regardless of RCA or XLR inputs. You’re wired for the best performance.
  3. oldvinyl

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    OGH - it may be difficult to eliminate all tube noise with your setup. The Io has 16 tubes in the phono section plus another 8 per power supply. That’s 32 tubes. The Einstein adds another 19 tubes. The Atma-Sphere amps add another 38 tubes. Do you know if the tube noise of concern is from the...
  4. oldvinyl

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    The gold capacitors in the phono stage (head unit) are Peter Moncrief's Stealth Capacitors. They are coupling capacitors and contribute to improvements in sound quality. The power supply capacitors are part of the voltage regulation and filtering. These are the new Panasonic (if I recall) that...
  5. oldvinyl

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    Hmmm …. I can’t say much about the low output cartridges. I have only used Benz LP, Benz LP-S and Clearaudio Goldfinger with the Io. What I can recommend is to get the power supplies fully updated (grounding, capacitors and transformers), then clean all the sockets, connectors, cable plugs...
  6. oldvinyl

    The new audiophile vinyl series The Original Source from Deutsche Grammophon (AAA)

    Well in some cases - getting our money again. I purchased some of these LPs when they were originally released.
  7. oldvinyl

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    HRS Aesthetix uses Nimbus couplers from HRS in place of the feet for the Eclipse version. I prefer these or something like christensenleif mentioned over springs, cones or ceramic devices. My impression is that the fancy footers help, but it is not a huge difference in my system. That’s also...
  8. oldvinyl

    Aesthetix Io and Callisto Back to State-of-the-Art

    Agreed - for such a great upgrade, there is no description. I only learned about it when I called in to ask about a repair to a failed IEC socket. Jim and Glenn let me know that new capacitors and transformers were available for the power supply. My power supplies were due for replacement of...
  9. oldvinyl

    Aesthetix Io and Callisto Back to State-of-the-Art

    Just to clarify - many audio companies used transformers made by another company. Mercury Magnetics was/is a reputable and popular brand. Purchasing transformers for power supplies and output coupling would be a make/buy decision. In the quantities of high-end audio, it often makes sense to buy...
  10. oldvinyl

    Aesthetix Io and Callisto Back to State-of-the-Art

    Found it: Aesthetix transformer winding
  11. oldvinyl

    Aesthetix Io and Callisto Back to State-of-the-Art

    The old transformers were Mercury Magnetics, which had a great reputation. Not much to fail in a transformer - any more info on these malfunctions? My Io is 25+ years old. No transformer issues in my Io, but that’s a sample size of one. There seems to be more info on their Facebook page about...
  12. oldvinyl

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    I honestly don't know what would give the impression of less groove noise, but it sounds that way. Maybe other folks with the latest power supply mods can weigh in on whether they notice any reduction of groove noise. All I can say is that the Io is eerily quiet for 1) vinyl and 2) beaucoup...
  13. oldvinyl

    Aesthetix Io and Callisto Back to State-of-the-Art

    OGH - it is probably not practical to modify the old transformers. From talking with Aesthetix, the new transformers have new cores and are wound in house with additional shielding applied. The Eclipse updates, the new coupling caps, the new transformers, the new power supply caps will all...
  14. oldvinyl

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    I agree - the new transformers and power supply capacitors leave barely a trace of tube rush. Also interesting is that they give the impression of reducing groove noise. The Io is just quiet quiet quiet with these updated power supplies.
  15. oldvinyl

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    I too use the Walker Validpoints on top of the power supplies and the phono stage; 3 on each. Not really sure how much effect they have given the build of the HRS rack.
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