Aesthetix Rhea signature phono stage


Looking at a second hand Aesthetix Rhea signature phono stage, anyone had experience with this unit.
I want to use it with a second tone arm, aready have a ss stage so would like to have a valve phono as a contrast.
It is a bit more in cost than a new manley Chinook, which I had also considered.
I have read the Aesthetix can be noisy.
I use Lyra, VdH and shelter carts.
Would appreciate any feedback.
dctom

Showing 1 response by r_f_sayles

Why the (doubled) 4uF Dynamicaps? Perhaps one could ask Jim White, as I am sure he had his reasons. I know for a fact, they listened to many components before choosing these. When I upgraded my Calypso and Rhea from standard issue to Signature, the sonic rewards were really quite apparent. Actually, the bass did get better in depth and weight but, more importantly (to me), tone or timbres became more fleshed out and I would swear the sound stage also widened and deapened with improved transparency. But I would stress that the upgrade was an extremely balanced approach and more thoughtful than merely cap up-sizing. I understand the reluctance to spending this kind of fortune (4k Signature), yet I also understand value and genius in outstanding engineering. And I believe these components have proven over time to be a very good sonic value. No buyer’s remorse here.

*Could not agree more with previous comments about powering down for 20 minutes minimum before a tube swap. Both Glenn and Jim have been  adamant about this procedure! Do it or pay the price.