To Aesthetix users

I use a PS Audio Ultimate Outlet (20A) which is simply a 1:1 isolation transformer. There is no restriction of dynamics. It cleaned up some grunge coming in on my AC power lines.

Also, I use PS Audio power cords, they really helped lower the noise floor and increase dynamics.

I don't know how many power supplies you use with your Io, remember that each one draws about 150W. A device such as the EP-15A should be sized accordingly.

Any way to try before you buy or get a money back guarantee?

Enjoy the music.

Oldvinyl

Hello,

Here is a thread I started back in August 2005 when I purchased an Audio Magic Power Line Conditioner. As a Callisto and Io owner, I was quite impressed with the benefits from the AM PLC. I ramble on a lot in my post with the detailed benefits for each component in my system. Maybe the specifics on the Aesthetix models here will be of benefit to you.

As for why Jim White advises against a PLC, why not call him and find out the reason. Perhaps he never tried the AM, Hydras, IsoClean and Sound Application models, to name a few. But I would be cautious with an "regenerating" device.

John

Thanks guys, perhaps I should clarify -

Oldvinyl, I already own both the Io Sig and the ExactPower. The EP15A powers everything in my system except for the Io Sig. I fear that this may be creating a ground loop, because both the EP15A and the Io are grounded, and there is more noise through the Io than with other inputs (ear to the speaker style, but still).

Jafox, I used to own Audio Magic and traded up to the ExactPower.... the power in my neighborhood, not to mention ambient noise, RFI, EMF is exceedingly bad... I'm in a tall apartment building in midtown Manhattan. The EP15A is often called a power regenerator but is actually an AC sub-cycle regulator... a small class D amp inside does generate a sinewave, but all the EP15A does is compare the incoming AC signal to this sinewave - it does not substitute its own sinewave to the incoming AC - instead, it corrects the incoming AC to match the perfect sinewave generated by the internal amp. Such is the theory anyway!

but you are right that I should just call Jim White and ask him about it. Btw, I loved the AM products, great products (I had the Stealth and mini (non-digital) Stealth), but I needed stronger stuff where I live.

Patrick

Do you have the Io plugged in to the same outlet as the EP 15A? If you use separate outlets, do you know if they are on the same circuit (breaker)? This may be hard to determine in an apartment building. Also, the ground may be flakey. You can always get a Rat Shack outlet tester.

In my system, I ran a dedicated 20 A circuit and have all the outlets "star" wired. No voltage drops or ground loops. With the Io, there may be some 60 Hz hum. This can be from inbalanced tube sections or bleed through on the heaters. With the gain that the Io has (70 dB or so) it is near impossible to get rid of all the noise.

You can achieve the "star" wiring with a outlet strip such as the PS Audio Power Directo, their Juice Barr, the Nordost "Thor", or one of the IsoTek products. You can also make one up yourself with some outlets and wire.

The "star" wiring will eliminate the ground loop. If you use the line level input on the Io for a CD player (or any other device), I have found that to be a source of ground loops and hum when listening to vinyl. So, when I play a record, I unplug the AC power to my CD player (which is plugged in to the Io).

I have also found that using the XLR outputs from the Io drops the noise floor and any residual hum.

Chasing hum is thankless, good luck.

oldvinyl