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Calling all Aesthetix Callisto / Io Owners

I have owned an Io (standard version with 1 power supply) for a little over a year. I replaced all the tubes in the audio chassis with Telefunken tubes and this was a huge improvement. And this week I took delivery of a Callisto (signature with 1 power supply).

1: Since I also have another line stage here (BAT 31SE) I would like to try both of the Aesthetix power supplies for the Io to see if I ultimately want to go with two supplies here. I would also like to try both power supplies in the Callisto to hear what is gained over just one P.S. But I see that the power cables between the PowerSupply chassis and the Io have different pinouts than the cables used to the Callisto. Are the power supplies interchangeable or are they pinned specifically for either the Io or Callisto?

2: Are there tubes within the Callisto that significantly benefit from tube rolling?

3: Has anyone done a shootout between the Standard and Signature Io? .... and what were the differences?

4: On the Callisto, when I move the "Right Level" control, there is a slight crackle/static sound from full attenuation to the first step and then again in the next 2-3 steps. From then on the noise is gone. I have swapped tubes between the L & R channels, swapped power cables between L & R, tried using a different set of inputs, swapping outputs to opposite amp inputs, etc. The problem stays with the right side. Does the right level control need to be "cleaned"?

Thank you in advance for any input here.

John
jafox

Showing 4 responses by exlibris

exlibris
438 posts
 
I'm looking to upgrade my linestage and the Callisto is high on my list because of what I've read on these forums (especially from Jafox). I'm not able to borrow one to demo it in my system but I was able to borrow an Io with dual PS, and volume controls (not signature). I'm running my digital front end through it right now.
How much difference is there between the perfomance of the line input on the Io vs. a Callisto signature?
Though I like what I'm hearing, I'd have to say that the sound (so far) is too dark and 'woolly'/fuzzy for my taste.
I'm comparing it to the EMM Labs DCC2, which I own, and the Hovland 100, which I borrowed.
Thanks.
exlibris
438 posts
 
Rushton, thank you. I don't think I'll get a chance to hear a Callisto signature in my system, however.
exlibris
438 posts
 
Rushton,
I did eventually have a Callisto Signature in my system for a few weeks. It is an incredible component. I'm using an Atma-Sphere MP-1 with my Atma-Sphere MA-2 amps right now. As expected there is great synergy between the two.
The MP-1 drives and controls (grips) my MBL 101Es better than any other preamp I've tried. I know it's odd to think of a preamp 'controlling' speakers but the difference between the MP-1 and other preamps in this regard (including the Blowtorch that I owned) is not subtle.
exlibris
438 posts
 
Assuming one were only listening to vinyl, in what sense is the Aesthetix Io with volume controls (or the Manley Steelhead with volume controls) *not* a full-function preamp?

Wouldn't adding a separate linestage just add more circuitry and another pair of interconnects to the signal path unnecessarily?

I don't doubt that both of these 'phonostages' actually sound better when used with a separate linestage, I'm just not sure why that is the case.
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