Hi,
I'm seriously considering this Phono preamp (with the additional line input and volume control), and would like to get in contact with potenial owners of the IO-series from Aesthetix. I believe the IO is what I'm looking for sonically (and I'm also a big fan of the design and user experience in general). But, I'm slightly concerned about earlier reports of noise/hum issues, as well as riability and the practical side of things related to tube life and generated heat.
So....
- Is the IO Eclipse (still) up there among the best on the market?
- Will the possibility of driving a poweramp directly offer any disadvantages, or be as good as or better than using a separate preamp of the same caliber?
- Are the tubes worth the expense, effort and potential hassle...?
What I'm looking for (and hoping to improve) is a high degree of naturalness, musicality and flow combined with great dynamics and a large, holographic soundstage.
My system:
Brinkmann Bardo + 10.5 tonearm + Pi-pickup (Analog)
Audio Aero La Fontaine (CD/DAC/Pre)
Karan KA M2000 (Monoblocks)
Sonus Faber Futura (Speakers)
Kubala Sosna Elation (Cables)
Thanks!
I'm seriously considering this Phono preamp (with the additional line input and volume control), and would like to get in contact with potenial owners of the IO-series from Aesthetix. I believe the IO is what I'm looking for sonically (and I'm also a big fan of the design and user experience in general). But, I'm slightly concerned about earlier reports of noise/hum issues, as well as riability and the practical side of things related to tube life and generated heat.
So....
- Is the IO Eclipse (still) up there among the best on the market?
- Will the possibility of driving a poweramp directly offer any disadvantages, or be as good as or better than using a separate preamp of the same caliber?
- Are the tubes worth the expense, effort and potential hassle...?
What I'm looking for (and hoping to improve) is a high degree of naturalness, musicality and flow combined with great dynamics and a large, holographic soundstage.
My system:
Brinkmann Bardo + 10.5 tonearm + Pi-pickup (Analog)
Audio Aero La Fontaine (CD/DAC/Pre)
Karan KA M2000 (Monoblocks)
Sonus Faber Futura (Speakers)
Kubala Sosna Elation (Cables)
Thanks!