Aesthetix Calypso Signature

I'm all in on Aesthetix. I want the best sound for my ear, but I don't want to go through the brain damage and expense of buying and selling (at a loss) in the search. My dealer handles many brands and he lets me demo equipment at home for extended periods, and that's why I have an Atlas Eclipse, Romulus Signature and am awaiting delivery of a Janus Eclipse. Jim White of Aesthetix is accessible and ready to discuss the differences in his equipment line and other topics such as (for me) the pros/cons of integrated vs separate phone stages. I believe that using a single manufacturer for all components (more often than not) produces a synergy whereby each component compliments the other. Along with my Aesthetix equip, I use a McIntosh streamer/NAS and a maxed-out LP-12. So if I ever want a lighter sound, or more bass punch, I'll go straight to the source and change out my cartridge. I know that sound change will seamlessly pass through my components to my ear.  I'm not searching for the holy grail of sound because I know I'd run out of money before I found it. But Aesthetix gives me the sound that my ears/brain love - and its pleasing to look at - rather that a hodge-podge of mismatching "aesthetics" - pun intended.

Good to read about so many fans- All.

Happy Listening!

Resurrecting this portion of the Aesthetix topic, anyone still use Aesthetix? Yes, going on 16 years or so. 
Awaiting for my IO to return from the factory as a partial Eclipse version with 2 power supplies. I opted to keep it basic, no volume controls, or extra inputs as I love the simplicity and function as is.

I look forward to getting it back and trying out my new Soundsmith Hyperion.
Anyone else still enjoying their Aesthetix equipment?

My response from another thread:

I have gone from the Calypso/Atlas to the Aesthetix Mimas with a pit stop in between. I owned the Calypso/Atlas for many years driving a pair of Vandersteen cloth Quatro’s. It was a great combination and I lost all system envy for those 5 years. My Aesthetix pieces were the standard versions. 

I had to sell the system when I moved to Italy and when I came back I moved into a loft and no longer had a dedicated listening room. I bought a different system with an Ayre Integrated and Harbeth SHL5+ speakers. Harbeth’s play better at low volumes than any other speaker I have heard and that was important to me. I lived happily with that system for a few years.

Last year I heard the Aesthetix Mimas integrated paired with Vandersteen Treo CT’s and decided to make the change. I have always loved the Aesthetix/Vandersteen combination and missed it when it was gone. The Mimas seems to have a more musical character than what I remember of the separates though not by much. Since I had the standard version of those pieces it may be that the Eclipse versions sound much better than the standards.My dealer thinks that the simpler circuit and the use of only 1 tube per channel may be the reason. Aesthetix now makes a preamp, the Pallene, that uses the same circuit and he likes it better than the Calypso. AGON member tomstruck uses this combination with his Quatro’s.

I have heard the Vandersteen 7’s with an Eclipse Atlas and the new Aesthetix Metis preamp and I think it sounds better than any of the amps I have heard with the 7’s. The Metis may be the best preamp I have ever heard. This system also has the Io phono stage with the AMG Viella turntable, the Aesthetix Romulus and it is the best system I have ever heard. Just my opinion of course. 

I have just ordered the internal DAC board for the Mimas and will be looking into the phono board as well.

Good Luck with your updated Io!

About three months ago I helped dial in a Mimas ( w internal DAC ) and Vandersteen Treo CT, sublime sound.
helping a buddy w Eclipse pre into Vandersteen M5 into Quattro. He is considering a Pandora which is a formidable DAC ( I own the signature )
Jim Wite and team make great sounding, well engineered and importantly well supported gear ! Have fun, enjoy the music !!!