Aesthetix Jupiter Series IO Eclipse Reference Phonostage with Volume Control in Black Finish with Rose Gold accents - allows switching for two tonearm inputs
Aesthetix IO Eclipse
Jupiter Series Eclipse Reference Two Box Phono Preamplifier
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 is available in three versions: Mk II, Signature and Eclipse. 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.
Jupiter Series Io and Callisto 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.
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.
Specifications
| Item |
Linestage (Preamplifier) |
| Inputs |
Analog Line Connectors
1 single-ended RCA and 1 Balanced XLR for each of the 5 analog Line Inputs
Input Impedance: 20KΩ Single-ended or 40KΩ Balanced (20K per phase)
Gain: (Tube variable) 24dB maximum w/gain jumpers @ 0dB
Polarity: (Balanced) Pin-2 = Positive, Pin-3 = Negative
Maximum input level: 9V RMS per phase
Phono (optional)
1 single-ended RCA per channel for 2 Phono inputs
Resistive & capacitance Load as well as Gain control. Ranges variable when MC or MM is selected
Fully discrete FET-based, high gain differential circuit
Digital (Optional)
2 x RCA, 2 x TosLink & 1 x USB 24bit / 352K, DSD & DSD2. USB utilises Wavelength Technologies’ asynchronous implementation
|
| Outputs |
Preamp Out
Connectors: 1 balanced and 1 single-ended per channel
Impedance: Single-Ended – 100 ohms; Balanced – 200 ohms (100 ohms per phase)
Headphone
¼” standard headphone stereo jack. 1/3W into 32 ohms. HD (Optional): 1W into 32 ohms, fully discrete Class A with Mogami wiring
|
| Modes/Processes |
Standby, Auto sense headphone & trigger, Home Theater Bypass available to each analog line input, individual analog input level control; Internal Hi/Lo gain jumpers |
| Volume Control |
88 1dB steps, utilizing individual switched 1% metal film resistors |
| Tubes (per channel) |
One 6922 (6DJ8) or equivalent per channel |
| I/O |
RS232: 1 DB9 connector |
| Frequency Response |
(-3dB points @ full power) <2 – 150 kHz |
| Control |
RS232: 1 DB9 connector.
IR extender 1.8” stereo jack |
| Trigger Input |
1/8” Jack, +5 and +12 V auto sense Level or Pulse (> 100mS: Level; <100mS: Pulse) |
| Power Consumption |
Active (no signal): 100W; Standby (normal mode): 25W; Standby (high efficiency mode): 6W |
| Maximum Operating Temperature |
Internal 176° F (80° C)
Room: 122° F (50° C) |
| Dimensions |
434 (W) x 140 (H) x 449 (D) mm
Boxed 558 (W) x 254 (H) x 558 (D) mm |
| Weight |
12.7 kg (28 lbs) Boxed 15.9 kg (35 lbs) |
| Finish |
Black or Silver |
| Warranty |
3 years, non-transferable |
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.
