2. amps-preamps
  3. 1080414968

Help: my phono preamp is blowing away my linestage

I recently was fortunate enough to acquire an Aesthetix Io Signature phono stage that has taken my system to a whole new level. But now I fear that my old Rogue 99 Magnum linestage is holding back the full capabilities of the Io.

I can't afford to buy an Aesthetix Callisto or Calypso, and indeed I spend most of my time listening to vinyl (but perhaps I'd listen to more CDs if I had a better linestage).

I figure I can spend up to about $2500 on a better linestage. Can I improve on the Rogue for this sum?

Patrick
patrickamory

Showing 1 response by herman

herman
2,277 posts
 
I agree that the rouge is holding you back. Since the IO is designed to drive a linestage directly, you can use a passive volume control like the Placette and get a huge improvement. I used mine this way and it was very nice.

You could also send your IO in and get the stepped attenuator volume controls installed. You save on interconnects and probably get the best sound but the disadvantage is no remote.
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