2. amps-preamps
  3. 1113711676

Calling all Aesthetix Callisto / Io Owners

I have owned an Io (standard version with 1 power supply) for a little over a year. I replaced all the tubes in the audio chassis with Telefunken tubes and this was a huge improvement. And this week I took delivery of a Callisto (signature with 1 power supply).

1: Since I also have another line stage here (BAT 31SE) I would like to try both of the Aesthetix power supplies for the Io to see if I ultimately want to go with two supplies here. I would also like to try both power supplies in the Callisto to hear what is gained over just one P.S. But I see that the power cables between the PowerSupply chassis and the Io have different pinouts than the cables used to the Callisto. Are the power supplies interchangeable or are they pinned specifically for either the Io or Callisto?

2: Are there tubes within the Callisto that significantly benefit from tube rolling?

3: Has anyone done a shootout between the Standard and Signature Io? .... and what were the differences?

4: On the Callisto, when I move the "Right Level" control, there is a slight crackle/static sound from full attenuation to the first step and then again in the next 2-3 steps. From then on the noise is gone. I have swapped tubes between the L & R channels, swapped power cables between L & R, tried using a different set of inputs, swapping outputs to opposite amp inputs, etc. The problem stays with the right side. Does the right level control need to be "cleaned"?

Thank you in advance for any input here.

John
jafox

Showing 2 responses by nkj

nkj
130 posts
 
Hi,

Do not try the Callisto PS on the Io.. if it is pinned diffently. Additionaly, you must make changes to the Io main unit (installation of jumpers) and changes to the 1st power supply internals for the Io to work with two power supplies.

I know because I just picked up my 2nd PS from my dealer yesterday for my Io signature w/ volume controls.

How will it sound with two PS?..well I heard an Io with 2 supplies over 1yr ago so my memory is not good... besides I could not directly compare it to a single supply unit. However, I'll be evaluating mine over the next while.

I'd email Jim white on this...Good Luck.
nkj
130 posts
 
JaFox, John,

I'm going to clarify in suggesting that the Io supply should not be used with a different pinout...it's an assumption on my part. However, I do know for certain that modifications must be done to the main unit and the power supplies in order to go from 1> to 2> supplies...logically each channel originally is accepting it's power requirements in parallel from one supply...after a 2nd supply is added each channel receives it's own supply. So some bridging must be used to make the adaptation. I have a copy of these instructions in Word format if you wish.

I just got back from Houston and I have not even taken the 2nd supply out of the box yet for a listen!...so it'll be some time before things get set up and I can make a report.

It sounds like you might be going down a different path with the Aria this will be an interesting comparison...I still have my Counterpoint SA2 all tube head amp designed by Mike Elliot and my ARC SP8 combination so I have some admiration for Elliot's designs....I guess I should get rid of all this extra stuff sometime. Is the Aria shipping?
More to discover