I have owned an Aesthetix Rhea Signature, Aesthetix IO Signature and an ARC SP-10 mkll among others. I currently use a Herron VTPH-2A. I will preface my comments by stating that I think any of these could sound “the best” depending on ancillary equipment- System Synergy is really critical. That said, I thought the IO had the largest soundstage and organic live quality that I like. However, I just couldn’t keep it quiet with my .2mv cartridge. So in came the Herron which was pretty close but dead quiet. I then took a step that, I feel, puts the Herron on par and may even surpass the IO. In addition to tube rolling, I purchased a ZYX CPP-1 pre-preamp and then used the MM section of the Herron. In my system, a hearty step forward on an already fine phono amp.
I need help regarding tube phono preamplifiers
To the Audiogon community. I am currently considering one of three possible all tube phono preamps to incorporate in my two channel system. The three phono stages are 1.Aesthetix Rhea phono preamp 2.Zesto Andros Deluxe II phono stage and 3. Vac Renaissance phono preamp. I will incorporate the stand alone phono preamp into my McIntosh C48 preamp and utilize a Clearaudio Performance DC turntable with a Clearaudio Universal tonearm and Kiseki Purple Heart phono cartridge. If anyone has experience to help me compare the differences between these phono stages I would greatly appreciate the input. Thanks.