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.

 

[dan31]

How often are Io users performing some kind of maintanence?

I am contemplating a complete deoxit cleaning of all tube pins and power connections. I am preparing for a tedious cleaning of pins a sockets. It’s been 6 years but light use.

Anyone using a treatment on the pins like walker SST or doxit gold?

Thanks

 

[Kcin]

I do this 2x per year- Christmas is a signal date for me to do this and generally 1x in the summer. I also condition all my cords and interconnects with a cooker 2x per year and clean the connectors there as well- the internal wiring for the tonearms gets conditioned too.

Here is the process for the tube pins - no cleaners in the sockets :

Aesthetix Io Users Group

Can someone please link the specific product numbers or name for Deoxit, Flitz, and Kontak? looking at the various versions and I want to be sure I get the right ones. Thank you. I don't use Kontak but use Caig deoxit D5 for non precious metal...

www.whatsbestforum.com

Aesthetix Io Users Group

Hi Mike and others, I have had my Io since 2000. It is now an Eclipse with volume controls and dual power supplies. On the subject of support from Aesthetix, a couple of years ago I had what turned out to be a tube problem, but I did not recognize it at the time. Jim White phoned me three...

www.whatsbestforum.com

Recently, I had a friend ask me to look at his Io for some distortion in the right channel - after testing and narrowing it down it was a dirty tube pin.

Here's something you don't see everyday two Io's in the same room. Mine has the new transformers and upgraded electrolytics everywhere + 2 PS
the other does have the stealth caps and is known as a partial eclipse with one PS.

Friend's Io cleaned of every contact and tube socket and off it went.

 

[dan31]

Many thanks Kcin! It’s been along time for my Io.

 

[oldvinyl]

How often are Io users performing some kind of maintanence?

I am contemplating a complete deoxit cleaning of all tube pins and power connections. I am preparing for a tedious cleaning of pins a sockets. It’s been 6 years but light use.

Anyone using a treatment on the pins like walker SST or doxit gold?

Thanks

Same as Kcin - twice a year. If I use DeOxit, or any cleaner that leaves a residue, I follow that with Kontak or CRC spray to get it all off.

I prefer just using Kontak.

I tried pin treatments once. Then had to clean all the gunk out of the sockets. So, I don't do that any more.

I also use a fiberglass eraser to remove built up oxidation.

more info

cleaners

clean

 

[thekong]

I have came across these Miniwatt Dario 12AX7S for sale locally. I have no experience with the brand, so would be interested to get some feedback from fellow Io users. I am looking for 12AX7/ECC83 tubes with tonal balance similar to the Telefunken ECC83 to be used in the Io, would these Miniwatt fits the bill? Thanks

 

[tima]

I have came across these Miniwatt Dario 12AX7S for sale locally. I have no experience with the brand, so would be interested to get some feedback from fellow Io users. I am looking for 12AX7/ECC83 tubes with tonal balance similar to the Telefunken ECC83 to be used in the Io, would these Miniwatt fits the bill? Thanks View attachment 152408

Miniwatt suggests they were made for Dario by Phillips Holland. They could be quite good ... Based on my experience with Phillips Holland Miniwatt, I like them better than Telefunken.

 

[audioquest4life]

This provides some additional information about the Dario tubes. It appears to be rebranded Radio Technique from France.

La Radiotechnique 12AX7 ECC83 (like Mullard, Amperex) Special Quality Amplitrex Tested 1967 Vintage | Reverb

La Radio Technique (France) used Philips parts (Like Mullard & Amperex) to produce some of the Finest tubes ever made. Referred to as FRT, some times branded as Dario Miniwatt, This is a very rare, 12AX7S (S is For Special Quality), featuring a frame support for the getter, copper rods and su...

reverb.com

 

[thekong]

Thank you guys! Either way, it looks good, I’ll go for it !

 

[audioquest4life]

Thank you guys! Either way, it looks good, I’ll go for it !

Let us know how they sound. They appear to be very limited in production and availability since they are from years long gone by.