Recent content by OGH

  1. OGH

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    Oldvinyl - yes, thanks. I was just wondering, since I generally prefer balanced connections, and recently bought a balanced headphone cable that improved the sound even though the headphone OTL amp is somewhat "pseudo balanced". And also, since Io does have balanced inputs, maybe for a reason...
  2. OGH

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    Exactly. So a balanced phono cable into Io's first gain stage does not make a lot of sense. I guess. And I have not read strong opinions that it benefits the sound. It is rather "don't bother". So I use a single ended Kimber KCAG modded to accept the DIN contact in my SME arm. I tried a Hovland...
  3. OGH

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    Fully balanced - not quite correct. I use a single ended cable from the cartridge to the Io. And the Io is not fully balanced. But the Io output is balanced, so I use XLR to the balanced preamp, and from there to the balanced amps. Works fine.
  4. OGH

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    The Einstein preamp is very silent, the Atma-Sphere amps are quite silent, and the Io also - unless the first gain stage tubes are getting noisy. So I don't have a noise problem, in general terms. I agree, XLR works best, so this is what I use also. My system is fully balanced.
  5. OGH

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    audioquest4life: I have my jumpers set to 62 db gain in a non volume controlled unit. I have Been using that with .34 mv output (Benz LP and LPS) and with Soundsmith Hyperion with .40 MV output and Air Tight Opus 1 with .45 mv output. Thanks - very interesting. So it seems that the eclipse with...
  6. OGH

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    Kcin - I am all ears, and I dont doubt the outcome. I wonder if the power supply upgrade could be done for a more reasonable cost here in Europe where I live. I have the stealth caps, and fully agree, the partial eclipse upgrade was totally worth it. But did it change - so to speak - the...
  7. OGH

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    Some years ago I had an email discussion with Glenn at Aesthetix, about SUT. I had a low output Lyra and tried it with a SUT into Io. He said, basically, forget it. I heard the same. It was money out the window. Why invest in a SUT when you already have pure tube amplification.
  8. OGH

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    Is there a verdict, with the updated ps? Should I consider a very low output cart (like .25), or stick to more robust voltage, like .40, or (like I have now), .56? My impression over the years is the Io likes MC carts with a fairly high output. Not just due to overcome tube noise but also to get...
  9. OGH

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    My power supplies stand on hefty granite slabs (Larvikite) at the bottom of my rack. The wood floor below the rack is supported by columns from the basement. External vibrations are not a big issue, I can jump in front of the rack with no cartridge skipping, etc. So damping to protect from...
  10. OGH

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    I would guess - it simply means less noise. And thereby, affecting groove noise too. And tube choices. I suspect that with this upgrade, the Io might work well with the low output carts from e g Lyra, like Atlas or Etna SL versions, but I have not heard this combination. A question: is there a...
  11. OGH

    Aesthetix Io and Callisto Back to State-of-the-Art

    I have Mercury transformers, first in the original power supply ca 2002, later ca 2012 with the new power supply I bought with the P Eclipse upgrade. I dont think there has been any failure. A bit of hum, if you stand close by (from the box, not through the speakers). Not a problem from the...
  12. OGH

    Aesthetix Io and Callisto Back to State-of-the-Art

    oldvinyl - yes, much is due to the stealthcaps and the eclipse upgrade, I agree. I would like the new transformers, of course, but it will have to wait. Maybe some fixes can be made to the old ones? In my system, better rfi protection could be nice but is not a main issue. Reducing the...
  13. OGH

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    Interesting. And even groove noise? some kind of filtering? My Einstein The tube mk2 preamp is a champion of 'silent' but not sure i like it so much.
  14. OGH

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    This sounds very good. My Lyra Atlas is .56 and the Io is silent with the right tubes. I have been lucky to get a quad of ultra silent Telefunken in the first gain stage. Though there is some background noise, it is even lower than with the jj tubes supplied by aesthetix in 2018. Yet I am...
  15. OGH

    Aesthetix Io Users Group

    Thanks, very informative. Does "stone silent" mean that you can now run a .25 or so very low output cartridge with the Io without background noise?
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