Aethetix IO Signature Question

Again, I agree with Ruston on the noise issue as mine was also not too noisy with the stock tubes and my Dynavector XV-1s. Sure it has a little tube rush when the music is not playing but I never noticed it when I dropped the cartridge, That said, if you DO want to quiet it down even more, you can place four good Telefunkens 12AX7s in the first gain stage and tube rush will likely be NO problem at all (no need to replace all 12 unless you have the funds and simply want to). I've had mine in for 6 years and haven't had any problems.

Good luck with your audition and let us know your impressions.

Frank

I have the same phono stage - what Rushton said.

It's funny yet typical that people have different experiences with the same piece of gear. I agree wholeheartedly with Jafox's tube discussion as his experience is the same as mine - I have 8 Telefunken 12AX7s and 4 Brimars in mine (and I bought them and paid a premium from a reputable dealer I trust to get top quality matched tubes), Amperex in the 6922 spot and the Mullard EL 34s Jafox discusses. However, where our experiences differ is in the XLR vs RCA arena. In one configuration of my system the XLR sounded better and in my current system I prefer the RCA cables. So, as always, each person has to make that determination with his/her own ears based on their system, sonic preferences and hearing acuity.

Jafox, I presume you now have the Aria? Sure sounds like a great piece.

Thanks for the input John. I know what you mean about re-tuning one's system after a component change. This is why I try not to be a "gear hound" and have had most pieces in my system for years. That said, I am still always amenable to increasing my enjoyment of music if changing a piece will accomplish that goal (as oppposed to the system just being different). I may try to audition the Aria if I can possibly get a chance (assuming Mike will do so or possibly allow me to review it).

Enjoy,

Frank