I'm all in on Aesthetix. I want the best sound for my ear, but I don't want to go through the brain damage and expense of buying and selling (at a loss) in the search. My dealer handles many brands and he lets me demo equipment at home for extended periods, and that's why I have an Atlas Eclipse, Romulus Signature and am awaiting delivery of a Janus Eclipse. Jim White of Aesthetix is accessible and ready to discuss the differences in his equipment line and other topics such as (for me) the pros/cons of integrated vs separate phone stages. I believe that using a single manufacturer for all components (more often than not) produces a synergy whereby each component compliments the other. Along with my Aesthetix equip, I use a McIntosh streamer/NAS and a maxed-out LP-12. So if I ever want a lighter sound, or more bass punch, I'll go straight to the source and change out my cartridge. I know that sound change will seamlessly pass through my components to my ear. I'm not searching for the holy grail of sound because I know I'd run out of money before I found it. But Aesthetix gives me the sound that my ears/brain love - and its pleasing to look at - rather that a hodge-podge of mismatching "aesthetics" - pun intended.
