Sm2727, the Io is not at all hard on tubes. The likely
candidates for earliest replacement will be the 12AX7 tubes
in the gain stages (2 tubes in each of 3 gain stages). I
have had my Io Signature since 2001 and have replaced the
12AX7 tubes in the first two gain stages once, about 3 1/2
years ago. I replaced them with stock tubes from Aesthetix
and the cost was moderate. I don't think you need to fear a
$3k bill for tube replacement when buying a used Io.
FWIW, I have tried a variety of vintage tubes in the Io
based on recommendations seen here on Audiogon and
elsewhere. I have consistently preferred the stock 12AX7LPS
tubes from Aesthetix to the vintage tubes I've sampled. Jim
White says his customers split about 50/50 on this issue. My
point being: don't fear the cost or tube replacement and
don't think you have to buy super-expensive vintage tubes to
get the best from the Io.
It's a superb phono stage. I encourage you to move ahead.
Best regards,
candidates for earliest replacement will be the 12AX7 tubes
in the gain stages (2 tubes in each of 3 gain stages). I
have had my Io Signature since 2001 and have replaced the
12AX7 tubes in the first two gain stages once, about 3 1/2
years ago. I replaced them with stock tubes from Aesthetix
and the cost was moderate. I don't think you need to fear a
$3k bill for tube replacement when buying a used Io.
FWIW, I have tried a variety of vintage tubes in the Io
based on recommendations seen here on Audiogon and
elsewhere. I have consistently preferred the stock 12AX7LPS
tubes from Aesthetix to the vintage tubes I've sampled. Jim
White says his customers split about 50/50 on this issue. My
point being: don't fear the cost or tube replacement and
don't think you have to buy super-expensive vintage tubes to
get the best from the Io.
It's a superb phono stage. I encourage you to move ahead.
Best regards,