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IO TUBE PHONO STAGE
Io is an all-tube phono stage suitable for the most demanding cartridges including low-output moving coils. A proprietary differential circuitry design achieves high gain with extremely low noise. A separate power supply chassis removes any possibility of transformer noise corrupting delicate audio circuitry. Peter Moncrief Stealth Capacitors are used in the Eclipse Edition for unparalleled sound quality. An optional innovative mechanically-switched discrete resistor volume control yields precise resolution at all listening levels.
- High gain / low noise capable of handling low output moving coils.
- Zero feedback.
- 80dB maximum gain, internally selectable down to 56dB.
- Flexible user selectable loading on the back panel from 47Kohms down to 10ohms.
- All tube amplification and output (16 tubes total).
- Separate vacuum tube regulated power supply utilizing 8 tubes.
- Two sets of XLR and two sets of RCA outputs per channel.
- Input can be either RCA or XLR.
- Optional: Innovative and unique mechanically switched discrete resistor volume control with 46 positions using Roederstein resistors, one for each channel.
IO OPTIONS AND UPGRADES
Mk II, Signature and Eclipse
Io is available in three versions: Mk II, Signature and Eclipse (see tabs above for more detail on each version). The Mk II version uses high-grade Rel-Cap polypropylene coupling capacitors. The Signature version uses exotic and expensive coupling capacitors and other critical parts to bring the performance to a higher level. Eclipse is the ultimate realization of the true capabilities of the Io, incorporating constrained-layer damped machined aluminum panels and Peter Moncrief's Stealth Capacitors. All versions of Io can be factory upgraded to Signature or Eclipse.
Dual Power Supply
Io comes with a single power supply standard, or optionally a second power supply may be added for true dual-mono (see "Power Supply" tab above for more detail).
Volume Control
The Io may optionally be configured with volume controls. This allows the Io to drive a power amplifier directly, negating the need for an intervening line stage. If using a line stage, the front panel volume controls are used to adjust gain.
When configured with volume controls, a further option exists: Two phono inputs or one phono input and one line input (CD player, tuner, etc).
If it is configured with two phono inputs, each input can have its own loading setting, adjusted internally in the Io. The gain / output level is then set by the volume controls.
If it is configured with one line input and one phono input, phono loading is externally accessible at the rear panel. The line input is truly balanced and has both balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) connections. A single ended input will be balanced by the Io. Gain / output level is set by the volume controls.
The volume controls are dual mono and identical to those in the Callisto. Each volume control consists of four silver contact Shallco 46 position switches ganged together in a unique configuration. Each switch consists of 46 Roederstein resistors for a total of 184 Roederstein resistors per channel! All other volume controls sound different at lower levels than at higher levels, due to non-linear elements and the number of solder connections and resistors the signal must traverse. Aesthetix unique configuration means that the sound quality is the same at lower levels as at high levels.
Any Io, of any version or age, may have volume controls added as a factory upgrade.
Faceplate
Io Mk II and Signature available with black or silver faceplate.
Custom Finishes
Io Eclipse may be ordered with custom finishes - Design your own Io Eclipse.
JUPITER ECLIPSE EDITION
Jupiter Series Io phono stage and Callisto linestage are available in (and factory upgradable to) an Eclipse Edition. The Eclipse transformation takes already industry standard setting products to a whole new level of performance. Io, Callisto and their respective power supply receive enhanced internal parts, improved chassis construction, and stunning customizable casework.
Stealthcap Capacitors
Musical signals passing through a capacitor are blurred or clouded as signal reflections bouncing off the capacitor plate corrupt the original musical signal. StealthCap capacitors created by Peter Moncrief aim to cure this problem by dramatically reducing reflections along the capacitor plate. The "Stealth Technology" is made possible by a combination of laborious precision handiwork and costly exotic materials including new conductors, dielectrics, and composite resins. The resulting signal has a quieter background, rich and detailed spatial imaging, time focused musical coherence, and a broader more impactful dynamic range. The Io Eclipse uses eight .22uF / 600v Stealth coupling capacitors made of exotic copper foil. These are used between the second and third gain stages, and the third gain stage and output stage. The Io and Callisto Eclipse output stages also use eight 4uF / 400v Stealth capacitors in a unique balanced configuration.
Chassis Construction
Eclipse Edition chassis feature an extremely rigid and acoustically damped design, delivering new levels of articulation and clarity. Three separate side and top panels are machined from aluminum billet. Each panel is constrain layer damped with advanced 3M adhesives, requiring a labor intensive application of heat and pressure for proper mating. Advanced interlock material and machine screws are used to attach the panels for easy tube access. Harmonic Resolution Systems Nimbus Couplers, specially made for Aesthetix, are used to intimately couple the chassis with the equipment rack, greatly reducing mechanical noise.
Casework Design and Customization
Eclipse editions feature a stunning multi-piece front panel which includes detailed machining of the front panel casing, inlay and logo. Jupiter Eclipse customers may personalize the appearance of their unit by selecting metal finishes for the faceplate, rings, knobs, dials and logo. Use our interactive online tool to design your own Io or Callisto Eclipse.
ECLIPSE IMAGE GALLERY
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JUPITER SIGNATURE EDITION
Signature, released in 2001, was the first major step forward for the Io and Callisto. Incorporating improved componentry such as Dynamicaps from Peter Moncrief and hand tuning the individual gain stages, greater resolution and inner detail were achieved without sacrificing the richness and dynamic bloom of the original design.
The Signature version uses custom-made inter-stage Teflon coupling capacitors, replacing the polypropylene units, between the 1st and 2nd gain stages. This change results in very high resolution of the very low signal level. Between the 2nd and 3rd, and 3rd and 4th gain stages (4 total per channel), the standard Rel-Caps are replaced with .22uF Dynamicap. The change in these capacitors results in higher resolution, extension, less grain and more air. The 2uF output coupling capacitors (4 per channel) are also replaced with 4uF Dynamicaps. This change provides more drive, bass extension, resolution and dynamics while also reducing grain. Highly specialized adjustable air-core capacitors, used primarily in the radio-frequency realm, are installed and adjusted to "tweak" each unit to a rigid standard.
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JUPITER MK II EDITION
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JUPITER POWER SUPPLY DETAIL
One defining characteristic of the Jupiter Series is separate power supplies. Each main unit, or audio chassis, is dual mono in construction; there are completely separate left and right audio boards and each has its own power connector on the rear of the chassis. Each main unit requires at least one power supply, a single power supply cannot power both an Io and a Callisto.
There are two versions of power supply available: Stereo or Dual Mono. In the stereo configuration, a single power supply powers both audio channels and has two power connectors on the rear. In the Dual Mono configuration, two separate power supplies are used, each with a single power connector. In the Dual mono configuration, the unit becomes pure dual mono, all the way down to the ac wall connection!
The Jupiter Series Power Supply is the size of a power amplifier and weighs approximately 50 pounds. The Power Supply has two main sections, the heater supply and the high voltage plus and minus supplies. At the heart of the heater supply is its massive, low flux, 210 VA power transformer which has fourteen separate secondary windings that are individually regulated and supply both the Power Supply and main unit heaters. The high voltage supply is composed of a similar massive 170 VA transformer which feeds a common-mode choke input filtering network and then high current vacuum tube regulators (one EL34/6CA7, three 12AX7 tubes per regulator). Each regulator is capable of supplying 600 volts at 100mA. There are two such regulators in the Power Supply. Each separate amplification or buffer stage has its own power supply filtering network and regulated heater supply to isolate individual sections and prevent stage interaction.
IO VOLUME CONTROL
The Io may optionally be configured with volume controls and a line-level input, suitable for a CD player or other line-level source.
The volume controls are dual mono and identical to those in the Callisto. Each volume control consists of four silver contact Shallco 46 position switches ganged together in a unique configuration. Each switch consists of 46 Roederstein resistors for a total of 184 Roederstein resistors per channel! All other volume controls sound different at lower levels than they do at higher levels, due to non-linear elements or the number of solder connections and resistors the signal must traverse. Aesthetix unique configuration means that the sound quality is the same at lower levels as at high levels.
With the option of volume controls comes a high level input. This input is balanced or single-ended, with both XLR and RCA jacks provided. A single-ended input will be balanced by the Io.
Any Io, of any version or age, may have volume controls added as a factory upgrade.
IO REVIEWS & ACCOLADES
This is the most natural sounding phono stage we have ever heard...the casework is immaculate...beautifully crafted." -What Hi-Fi? Five Stars Awarded by What Hi-Fi? (UK, 2012, IO ECLIPSE phono stage)
"...a magical ability to transport you... a heavyweight that can claim to be one of the finest phono stages money can buy... uncommonly articulate, and quiet..." -John Bamford, Hi-Fi News Outstanding Product Award (UK, 2011, IO ECLIPSE phono stage), download PDF (7 MB)
a very special product... natural sounding air...bloom and harmonic correctness...dynamics, it's the best I've ever heard" -Jack Roberts, Dagogo and AudioReview.com (2010, IO ECLIPSE phono stage), read at Dagogo or AudioReview.com
The Absolute Sound Golden Ear Award (2008): IO ECLIPSE phono stage
At the summit have stood the Io and Callisto. Now they have been forged into even mightier products." -Jacob Heilbrun, The Absolute Sound at AVguide.com (2009, IO ECLIPSE), read review
...exquisite dynamic contrasts... relaxed presentation... glorious midrange, excellent bottom octave...", The Absolute Sound Editor's Choice Award (2005-2007, IO MKII and IO MKII SIGNATURE phono stages)
neutral in presentation ... no over or under emphasized artifacts ... it blooms and explodes ... a profound moment in music listening", AudioAsylum.com (2006, IO SIGNATURE phono stage), read review
The Aesthetix Io is a singularity. It does everything better than any phono stage I have heard..." -Paul Bolin, The Absolute Sound Golden Ear Award (2000, IO phono stage)
...astounding range of dynamic contrasts... uncompressed ease... full of bloom when the music so dictates, yet never loose or out of control... the phono preamp of choice today... I bought my review sample." -Don Saltzman, The Absolute Sound (2000, IO phono stage)
IO ECLIPSE IMAGE GALLERY
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IO MK II IMAGE GALLERY
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IO SPECIFICATIONS
Inputs: one phono input, RCA and XLR jacks provided
Inputs (with volume control option): one line level balanced input, RCA and XLR jacks provided
Outputs: 2 RCA (SE) and XLR (balanced)
Gain: 80dB maximum
Volume control (optional): switched resistor network volume control with 46 steps
Frequency response: +- 0.25 dB, 20 Hz - 20 Khz
Signal to noise: 70 dB minimum, A-weighted (ref 1 mv input, 80 dB gain setting)
Input impedance: 10 ohms - 47K ohms (adjustable)
Output impedance: 1K ohms SE, 600 ohms balanced
Recommended load: 10K ohms or greater (SE), 20K ohms or greater (Balanced)
Tubes, each channel: V1-V6 (12AX7); V7 (6DJ8 / 6922); V8 (6SN7)
Power consumption: 350 watts
Physical dimensions:
Main unit, MkII or Signature: 5 5/8" high, 19" wide, 18 1/2" deep including jacks
Main unit, Eclipse: 5 1/2" high, 17 1/2" wide, 18 1/2" deep including jacks
Power supply, MkII or Signature: 5 5/8" high, 19" wide, 18 1/4" deep
Power supply, Eclipse: " high, " wide, " deep including jacks
Shipping weights:
Main unit, MkII or Signature: 32 lbs.
Main unit, Eclipse: 37 lbs.
Main unit, MkII or Signature w/vol: 38 lbs.
Main unit, Eclipse w/vol: 45 lbs.
Power supply, MkII or Signature: 50 lbs.
Power supply, Eclipse: 55 lbs.
Specifications subject to improvement or change without notice.
