I am making the switch to the dual power supplies late next year. I have not heard the difference myself, so I defer completely to those who have heard the effects of the upgrade to two power supplies, but, reportedly, the second power supply increases slightly dynamics and transparency and adds a bit more "heft" to the sound. I suspect the differences are small and incremental, but desirable, if you can accomodate the third big box.
I am making the switch to the dual power supplies late next year. I have not heard the difference myself, so I defer completely to those who have heard the effects of the upgrade to two power supplies, but, reportedly, the second power supply increases slightly dynamics and transparency and adds a bit more "heft" to the sound. I suspect the differences are small and incremental, but desirable, if you can accomodate the third big box.
I have added a second box. Definitely more shelf space and god forbid tube rolling options. In another forum sometime ago, Jim White was asked what improvements could be had by a second power supply. Here's what he indicated:
Adding the second supply improves the sound in the following ways:
.. Added space
.. Improved macro dynamics
.. Improved micro dynamics
.. Blacker backround
.. Greater ease to the sound, less strained
I have a friend that put top of the line Purist power cords on the dual supplies then had Purist build a custom umbilical between he supplies and the Io...he was quite pleased out the outcome
Sure, in my experience can easily make for a perceived improvement. Do you want to try something inexpensive?
Polish the blades of your current power cord with flitz or other metal polish. Clean with isopropyl alcohol thoroughly. Apply some deoxit. Do your best to clean the tangs on the Io supply IEC with alcohol and the slightest amount of deoxit.
Plug it in and be floored at new dynamics and punch. Power cords, plugs and associated maintenance can have a larger positive impact than most ICs in my experience.
I must say that I do balk at the prospect of having a second power supply box. Is anyone using the Eclipse Io with a single supply box? Feeling deprived?
Are you referring to the umbilicals or just the regular IEC? I have the Sablon Elites on the IEC with the Aesthetix umbilicals but I ought to commission Mark to make me the matter tbh. The Sablon Elite signature has great resolution, very low noise floor, potent bass, but importantly all this without expense to musicality, timbral fidelity and flow. They have beaten out some very expensive cables indeed.
The IO output chassis is on my Solid Tech rack of silence and the power supplies on the solid tech radius. No doubt that the racks could be much improved but I do have a solid concrete floor so pretty immune. I haven't touched the tubes yet but wrote to Greg Beron and have an action plan for 2017 - he has rolled them all and arrived at what he thinks the divinity In all seriousness, he said the improvements aren't subtle!
6922 = Telefunken
12ax7 = Philips miniwatt or Mullard long plates
6sn7 = Raytheon short bottle from 1940’s
BIG TUBE ISSUE: The tubes in the power supplies go bad too fast if you don’t have robust tubes in them. Soviet tubes seem to only last a few weeks so you should get a proper tube tester.
I have found NOS Chinese tubes are very robust and solved that tube issue for me.
2.) Shun Mook GDR’s under each chassis + Mpingo discs on the top.
3.) Synergistic Research (lively) or TARA Labs (rich & slightly dark) PC’s.
So Ron, the main reason I passed up IO was that I knew if o bought it, I would end up doing all these upgrades, as they will have a massive impact. Too much money too really in the analog cycle for me
So Ron, the main reason I passed up IO was that I knew if o bought it, I would end up doing all these upgrades, as they will have a massive impact. Too much money too really in the analog cycle for me
Except I have found that the phono stage is probably the single most important component in the analog chain. I would spend big money on an amazing phono preamp before I would going from a good to amazing turntable, arm or cartridge. It simply makes such a huge difference. I have heard awesome TTs (one of the big three motor magnetic drive Transrotors) with a great arm (SME V) and super duper cartridge (Transfiguration Proteus) ruined by mediocre phonostage. It actually made the analog sound worse than the digital. Hook up a good phonostage and that system sings but the owner hasn't taken the plunge to get what is really needed.
You would be better off with an IO (whatever the level of mods) and a mediocre rest of the chain than a great chain and a mediocre phonostage.
I don't mind buying it 3 to 5 years later, but till then will look for a comparable one box. I love vinyl but I will push optimizing purchase on that as far back as I can
Ked, you do realise the chance of you getting this unit in future for the price Bill did is practically zero
This is a bona fide, stone cold classic
It sounds great w tubes as is
You've always believed in a bargain
Bargain a not sufficiently strong enough word here
Your loss is Bill's entry ticket to
audio nirvana
Ked, you do realise the chance of you getting this unit in future for the price Bill did is practically zero
This is a bona fide, stone cold classic
It sounds great w tubes as is
You've always believed in a bargain
Bargain a not sufficiently strong enough word here
Your loss is Bill's entry ticket to
audio nirvana
I got lucky finding my Io Signature used. I have not seen many come up w/out the volume controls as I have a great pre amp. Still a bit overwhelmed with the Io's contribution to my listening. It will always be a great no compromise phono stage. I have a new power cable in bound so that should reveal additional improvements.
In all seriousness, he said the improvements aren't subtle!
