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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
classicjazz
153 posts
 
John,
I have a BAT VK-50SE, which I have been happy with for the price (having gone through many other units up to 2x the price). I am considering the Callisto but my main concern is the volume control. The BAT and other modern designs have many fine steps between mute and full output. How do you fine the volume control on the Callisto vs. the BAT? Ca you find levels suitable for quite listening? Is the range constant or with bigger steps at the low (greater attenuation) end? Finally, how quiet is it compared to the BAT? Thanks,
William
fmtien
47 posts
 
>"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"?"

I asked Jim White about this and he said that the crackle/pop noise is normal.
fmtien
47 posts
 
>"I am considering the Callisto but my main concern is the volume control. The BAT and other modern designs have many fine steps between mute and full output. How do you fine the volume control on the Callisto vs. the BAT? Ca you find levels suitable for quite listening? Is the range constant or with bigger steps at the low (greater attenuation) end?"

The Aesthetix Volume Control has 46 steps that I believe are in 1dB increments. It is very fine and perfectly suitable for quiet listening.
fmtien
47 posts
 
>"2: Are there tubes within the Callisto that significantly benefit from tube rolling?"

Albert Porter has shared his experience on A-gon about tube rolling in the Callisto in the past (I think this was in 2003). Try doing a search, but he did find tube rolling to further improve upon the sound.
nkj
119 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?
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