Aesthetix Io User Manual

Io

PHONO STAGE

OWNER'S MANUAL

Aesthetix Audio Corporation

5220 Gabbert Rd., Suite A ♦ Moorpark, CA. 93021

Phone: [phone]

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Io Phono Stage. It has been engineered to deliver the highest
attainable sound quality from your turntable. Only the highest grade electronic components are
used in the Io, including: non-inductive wirewound resistors in the signal path; polystyrene,
polypropylene, and Nichicon electrolytic power supply, bypass, and signal capacitors; low noise
matched vacuum tubes; glass epoxy dual mono circuit boards; 20 gauge steel chassis; custom
wound high flux power transformers.

PLACEMENT

The Io main unit should be located away from possible sources of hum such as power cords,
power transformers and the like. It should not be located on top of its own power supply or any
other heat source such as a power amplifier. It must be kept well ventilated for proper operation.
If it is positioned within an enclosed space then fans may be warranted. All air vents must
remain unobstructed. The power supply is the main source of heat and should therefore be
positioned for adequate ventilation and away from the main unit, if possible. Placement of the
power supply immediately below the main unit reduces tube life.

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CONFIGURATION

THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES SHOULD ONLY BE ATTEMPTED
WITH THE POWER CORD DISCONNECTED.

INPUT IMPEDANCE:

Note: If 47K ohms is the desired input impedance, the unit comes factory configured for this
setting. The following instructions may be skipped.

The input impedance of Io may be configured to virtually any useful value. On the back panel of
the main unit, locate the section labeled “INPUT IMPEDANCE”. Two jumpers (and a spare) are
supplied with Io, one for the left channel and one for the right. Locate the desired input
impedance and its corresponding jumper position in the following table:

IMPEDANCE JUMPER POSITION
10K 10

4.75K 9
1K 8
475 7
243 6
121 5
75 4

40.2 3
20 2
10 1

Orient the supplied jumper vertically and insert onto protruding pins below the desired position
number (use needle-nose pliers). Do the same for the remaining channel. If an intermediate not
listed value of input impedance is desired, please contact the factory. Virtually any value is
easily attainable.

The correct loading will be achieved when music has the right balance of dynamics, high
frequency extension and lack of glare or brightness. Generally speaking, less loading (higher
ohms) results in more high frequencies and more dynamics but can be too bright with some
cartridges. More loading (lower ohms) can reduce brightness but if overdone can result in
reduced dynamics and a dull, lifeless quality. Consult your dealer for loading recommendations
on the cartridge(s) you are using. One way is to start by setting the Io’s impedance to 10 times
that of the cartridge, then listening and making minor adjustments to achieve the right balance of
dynamics, high frequency extension and lack of glare or brightness.

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