Aesthetix Io Users Group

[oldvinyl]

I wish i could use Sovtek LPS in all gain stages, but they are not recommended for the other positions, i guess they burn out fast there. I am not a fan of " tuby" sound, the LPS strike a nice balance of dimensionality and correct tonal balance, i don't need a tube to mask if something sounds shitty in the treble, i have cartridges that can mask that.

The LPS version is recommended for V1 V2 since it has a spiral wound filament that is very low noise.
The WA version works well in the other positions, its shorter plates reduce microphonics.
The things that make tubes "burn out"-
- thermal cycling
- running at higher than specified voltages
- poor construction, poor quality materials

Fortunately, the Io has a soft start to reduce thermal shock and the heater and other supplies are well regulated.

My tubes last for thousands of hours; 5 years easily.

I don't know how a properly designed and selected tube would "burn out fast" in the Io. It is pretty gentle on tubes in my experience.

 

[oldvinyl]

has anyone tried the RCA 7058s?

Not yet .... although I like RCA 12AX7s and 7025's (especially). The 50's and 60's stock are amazing sounding.

I have a set of RCA 6681s specially selected for the next power supply tube replacement.

7058 looks like a good choice, designed for mobile applications (car radio), so the filament voltage is 13.8 volts. Similar to using PCC88/7DJ8 instead of 6DJ8/6922.

 

[audioquest4life]

For phono burn in, I have used the Granite Audio burn in CD for years. Seems to work pretty well.

It might be an option for anyone looking for burn in products for any phono stage.

Model CD-101.1 Phono Burn-In & RIAA Test CD, for testing and burning in phono preamps, testing the RIAA equaliaztion circuits of phono preamps.

Granite Audio manufactures the finest handcrafted vacuum tube stereo systems in the world. Pure silver interconnect cables. Tube power amps. Tube preamps with tube phono section. Tube CD player. Ground Zero ground loop elimination system. Test CD.

www.graniteaudio.com

 

[Lagonda]

The LPS version is recommended for V1 V2 since it has a spiral wound filament that is very low noise.

For some reason Aesthetix directly advise against using it in other positions. Wonder why, if not durability reasons. A more quiet tube should not be a negative thing.

 

[oldvinyl]

For some reason Aesthetix directly advise against using it in other positions. Wonder why, if not durability reasons. A more quiet tube should not be a negative thing.View attachment 148550

The WA variants are also quiet - due to shorter plates. Less microphonic.

 

[Kcin]

I'm not sure the reason, perhaps its the fact that the LPS are more expensive and the larger plates may make them more microphonic if used extensively down the chain---just guessing . I do like NOS in the IO but that gets difficult these days if you have not accumulated inventory.

 

[Lagonda]

I'm not sure the reason, perhaps its the fact that the LPS are more expensive and the larger plates may make them more microphonic if used extensively down the chain---just guessing . I do like NOS in the IO but that gets difficult these days if you have not accumulated inventory.

Listening to Sovtek LPS in first gain stage and J.J E83 CC Gold in the other stages right now, sounds great. I had forgotten how well recorded the instruments are on Stones "Jamming with Edward" Took a little time for the treble to settle, but has a nice balance now. Great dimensionality, really really expressive balanced bass and a extended treble without being harsh. And vocals sound amazing and clear.

 

[jjhf1234]

Anyone else try KT-66 or other variants in the power supply? Personally have only tried KT-66s and enjoy their presentation, a bit larger soundstage and fuller sounding overall.

 

[oldvinyl]

Anyone else try KT-66 or other variants in the power supply? Personally have only tried KT-66s and enjoy their presentation, a bit larger soundstage and fuller sounding overall.

Yes, search for KT-66 in this thread. I put them in decades ago.

 

[Kcin]

Yes, your cover won't fit if you do as the KT-66 is taller- I know some that had taken a punch to the cover and have the tube protrude through the top. In the end, I am fortunate enough to have NOS Mullard Xf2's and when they go- NOS Siemens. If you have the KT 66 they are worth a try to see if you like the outcome.

My KT- 66s get relegated to other duties in the Quad II when I play it.

 

[jim94025]

Yes, your cover won't fit if you do as the KT-66 is taller- I know some that had taken a punch to the cover and have the tube protrude through the top. In the end, I am fortunate enough to have NOS Mullard Xf2's and when they go- NOS Siemens. If you have the KT 66 they are worth a try to see if you like the outcome.

My KT- 66s get relegated to other duties in the Quad II when I play it.

Like OldVinyl ( a friend of mine), I have used KT-66's in the PS for a long time. I added some plastic spacers and longer screws to raise the cover and accommodate the KT-66's.