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Aesthetix IO Mk II vs. BAT VK-P10SE w/ superpak

I am looking to upgrade from my current BAT VK-P5 phono stage. I am considering either the Aesthetix IO Mk II or the BAT VK-P10SE with Superpak. The rest of my system consists of a BAT VK-51SE preamp with BAT VK-60 monoblocks and Dunlavy SC-IV speakers. I am using a Lyra Helicon on a VPI TNT table with JMW 12" arm. Can anyone share their experiences with either or both of these phono preamps? Thanks in advance.
taxmandme

Showing 1 response by the_smokester

the_smokester
174 posts
 
I have compared the BAT VK-P10SE with an IO Signature at a local dealer many times. The IO lives up to its reputation as the better unit.

I have also had the BAT VK-P10SE in my system at home which uses Dunlavy SC-IVa speakers (which are wonderful). I rank it as the third best phonoamp I have home-auditioned after a Nagra PL-P phonamp/linestage combination and the Wavestream Kinetics phonoamp which I currently have. The Wavestream is comparable to the IO.

All are excellent phonoamps.

Other units I have considered were the Sutherland PhD, the Tom Evans Groove and Microgroove+ and some Air Tight products. I have never heard the Manley Steelhead although many consider it to be good candidate as well.
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