Funny you mention the Steelhead at the end of your post that's what I as going to suggest! I am very familiar with both units and I don't know anyone who has heard a steelhead that keeps there IO. I wouldn't recommend dealing with the aesthetix they tend to be very problematic, with an Aesthetix signature IO you have 3 chassis to contend with, compared to just one with the Manley. The manley is easier to use and its adjustments can be done "on the fly" which is really helpful on initial setup. The Aesthetix sounds good, as does the steelhead, if I were making that decision(and yes I do think that would be the next- and final- step for you) I would get a steelhead.
Aesthetix Question
I am currently using a BAT VK31SE line stage and BAT VKP10 phono stage. These are a wonderful pair but I have to believe that elimination of the line stage would be a good thing for any system.
I see that Aesthetix puts an optional line input on their IO Phono stage with volume controls. This is fine for systems with only one other source such as CD or a Tuner. I happen to use both but if a significant improvement in sound can be obtained, I would be fine with one line input.
Here's the question: of the owners out there with this Aesthetix setup, how does it compare with other systems with separate line and phono stages? And for those that went with the Callisto and the IO, what made you decide on this pair vs only the IO with the above mentioned options? Surely the Callisto must add some additional noise or coloration or does it bring on other benefits that outweigh the weaknesses.
And one other question: for those that went with the Aesthetix with the options, did you also try the Manley Steelhead which has the same kind of benefits to not need a separate line stage?
Thank you for your comments/experiences.
I see that Aesthetix puts an optional line input on their IO Phono stage with volume controls. This is fine for systems with only one other source such as CD or a Tuner. I happen to use both but if a significant improvement in sound can be obtained, I would be fine with one line input.
Here's the question: of the owners out there with this Aesthetix setup, how does it compare with other systems with separate line and phono stages? And for those that went with the Callisto and the IO, what made you decide on this pair vs only the IO with the above mentioned options? Surely the Callisto must add some additional noise or coloration or does it bring on other benefits that outweigh the weaknesses.
And one other question: for those that went with the Aesthetix with the options, did you also try the Manley Steelhead which has the same kind of benefits to not need a separate line stage?
Thank you for your comments/experiences.