Aesthetix IO Eclipse


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 love the design and user experience). 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 a separate preamp of the same caliber?
- Are the tubes worth the expense, effort and potential hassle...?

What I'm looking for 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!
sidekick_i

Showing 2 responses by whart

Sidekick- I think i responded to your query on another forum and based on your stated preferences, would probably lean toward the tube unit. And, although it is not the same as trying it in your home, could you devote a couple days to a trip to, say, London, where a dealer or two might be able to help demonstrate some of the units in something close to what you have?
If you are in Stockholm, please say hello to the people at that hotdog stand behind the Grand Hotel- it was always my first stop.
PS I had also suggested you try the ARC Ref as a sort of middle ground and perhaps if you did a trip to, say London, you could audition it as well.
Best of luck,
Bill Hart
We all need to make a leap of faith in this process. And you are right, when there is a general, long-term consensus among folks with a variety of different, high quality systems, and input on appropriate related components, the risk is reduced.