Phono stage

If you have a chance to get it in England (distributor) and be able to try it at home, put the Aestethix IO in your list.

 

Simon,
why are you posting on a phono thread?
Do don't believe in it, you don't have any and just heard a handfull of system with vinyl..

...just wondering...

 

Erm...... I think means it was just a light hearted comment ......

So lighten up

 

Yeah, didn't mean to annoy you Titian! I was just fooling around.

As I said, I heard the Boulder 2008, and the main thing that surprised me was how dynamic and clean it was. Quite bright in fact compared to the CD. Of course it could have just been the records. In your system I think the Vinyl sounded more warm and cuddly than the CD. I think you played some older records though. If I hear your system again it would be lovely to hear some brand-spanking-new records.

Maybe I should also add I don't really have anything against vinyl apart from not being able to get the music I like.

 

Don't forget that any light hearted comment has a certain truth behind it.

To tell the truth I'm not at all annoyed. My concerns about Simons postings in this thread is coming in the my next posting...

 

Well Simon just think about what you write. You are comparing two phono-preamplifiers in a distance of how many weeks on two completely different systems , in two completely different rooms , with completely different music .
Now how can someone tell precicely that the difference he hears comes from the pre-phonos?

I am very very envious about your hearing and analytical capabilities. Don't take this personally, it happens with so many people in forums and anywhere else, sometimes also with me.
The names of the units are irrelevant to my comments.

regards

titian

 

Titian you are completely correct, all I can say is what I heard.

As one can only hear a phono stage in the context of an entire system then it is really pointless worrying about it I think. Unless one has gone to great efforts to hear the same unit in many other systems and rooms of course. Which most won’t have done. And then the most important factor; nothing other than what you hear is what matters. So why even ask for other peoples thoughts on some kit if you are the one who will listen to it?

If someone else has heard the same unit in another system, then one can start to build a picture. This is the beauty of forums and the point of my post. Unfortunately no one else, as of yet, has posted their findings of this unit.


To help build a better picture the system the Boulder was in was, IIRC:

Lumley Stratosphear (the new one)
Clear Audio Cartridge
Boulder 2008 phono stage
Ypsilon pre-amp
Ypsilon power-amps
Rockport speakers (maybe the Hyperion)

The same music on CD in this system (Ypsilon Transport and DAC) sounded less bright and dynamic but somehow more cohearnt to my ears.

Titian, I can remember quite well what your system sounds like. Such an experience is not easily forgotten

 

Nice answer Simon.
In order not to hijack this thread I put some ideas over here:

https://www.audio-forums.com/as-rediect/showthread.php?p=166675#post166675

 

What phono are you using titian?

 

Hi,

Anything heard using these should be treated with extreme caution. In germany they are often called "Klirr-Audio" (Distortion audio) and for good reasons (they are in their construction).

No doubt some people like them, but they are far from neutral, honest or anything like it.

I'm sufficiently unfamiliar with the rest of the system to not comment any further.

Ciao T

 

The OPA 637 should be fairly easy for mere mortals to get right. I'm pretty daunted at building your 810F valved LCR stage. How would the OPA637 compare to your valved LCR?

Kev

 

Hi,

No toobz, no toobz zound. Less "magic", a little more literal.

Very similar to the "Analogue Addicts" Phonostage, which is extensively discussed over on DIY Audio.

However, the

TX103 -> OPA637 -> EQ600 -> OPA637 -> TX410LO

circuit was seriosuly considered for a Music First Audio Phonostage, the issues around a reliable and convenient battery supply nixed this eventually.

All that said, I know one person to have build the E810F Phono and replaced his Aesthetix IO's with it, noting it "outclassed" it, following on from then several more have been build and replaced other seriously high roller stuff.

There is of course a reason, mainly in the use of circuits derived from old pre WWII german research of which also later informed the various TAB Valve Preamplifiers which are quite legendary in pro audio circles.

So it may be worthwhile having a go at the E810F circuit anyway.

Ciao T

 

Aesthetix IO with Clear Audio Goldfinger

 

:O what deck and arm? in fact lets have the whole run down - is it on the "my kit" thread?

 

It is in there somewhere, but I can't find it now.

 

I'll post you a message with the photos.

 

thanks!