Aesthetix Io Output Connection Poll

[Ron Resnick]

Which output (RCA or XLR) do you use on your Io to connect to a line stage preamplifier?

What sonic differences do you hear between using the RCA output and the XLR output of the Io?

 

[Solypsa]

I would also want to know, vis a vis a discussion in the 'on cables' thread; is anyone privy to the schematic / implementation of the balanced output?

From the manual:

"Output impedance: 1K ohms SE, 600 ohms balanced"

Transformer?

 

[Ron Resnick]

We know Jim White likes the balanced input on the Io. I never asked him which output he prefers.

 

[jaxdr]

I use the balanced outputs out of my IO into my ARC Ref10 SE. I must admit that my balanced cables (Tara Labs Evolution) are a much better set of cables compared with my single-ended (Cardas Cross) and thus provide an advantage to balanced. Most notable, the balanced outputs provide greater dynamics, transparency and density that the single-ended can not match.

If I remember correctly when I purchased the IO I was led to believe that balanced was the way to go. It was someone at Aesthetix but I can not recall who.

 

[Ron Resnick]

It is very interesting to me that you find the balanced outputs to provide greater “density” compared to the single-ended outputs.

Thank you for your reply.

 

[thekong]

I use XLR cables from Io to Callisto. Since I don’t have 2 identical sets of cables with XLR and RCA, I have never compared the two input/output. I can’t recall why, but I am under the impression that Jim White prefers the XLRs.

 

[dan31]

I use both, obviously XlR mad RCA have different characteristics. XLR has higher gain but the Io has tons of gain. Since you have a great preamp I would look at which input is preferred on the VTL. Tubes may make a difference. The audiogon link below has feedback on RCA vs XLR. I would lean to XLR from the Io to the VTL and I would go with Cardas Clear Beyond. I know you will listen and make your own choice.

Audiogon Discussion Forum

Hi,I have question regarding my Aesthetix Io sig phono stage output, I would like to try RCA instead balance connection to my preamp (ARC Ref2 mkII) but...

forum.audiogon.com

 

[DasguteOhr]

get the same cable xlr twice, rca do volume equalization. I think with short cables the xlr will have no advantage, only with longer cables because of better noise reduction. because most devices do not have a complete symmetrical signal routing internally.