Albert:

We can start with a comparison with your existing pre-amp.
Please also invite Jim and Mark Johnson.

gallant_diva July 23, 2008 20:30

Aesthetix is so far behind that my units are delayed again.

I originally thought I would have my new Eclipse by March or April. Now, nearing the end of July, I still have no firm delivery date. So even if we agreed, a test is not possible at this time.

I must say I'm pleased that business is that good for Jim White. He's a good friend and a person I respect very much in this business.

albertporter July 23, 2008 14:18

Albert:

I happily put my X-2 pre-amp made by Charlie
(see my review at http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/frr.pl?rprea&1189119648&read&3&4& that I posted under "Product Review" category for pre-amps)

for a friendly contest with your current or new Aesthetix
pre-amp.

We share this great hobby in which friendly and positive contests are fun provided they are done in good spirit. I am all for that. For me it is not a matter of ego or trying to prove "mine is better". But the X-2 beat Lamm L2 easily and since the Aesthetix is known to be great, I am very curious who these two pre-amps will compare. You do not live far from me, so you are welcome to come and bring your Aesthetix with you. Alternatively, I can bring mine.

Cheers

gallant_diva July 23, 2008 13:30

System edited: Added images supplied by Aesthetix, taken during assembly by Glenn.

albertporter July 22, 2008 22:41

I wonder if my dad should have purchased what looks to be a mono set of the Atlas..............oh well that Atlas is really amazing and it will be fun to hear your take on it.
With his AR Ref3, the Atlas and his Vandersteens that system is gonna sing beautiful music........cheers.

chadnliz July 21, 2008 23:52

No, but Jim White is planning a trip here (someday soon) and he promises that I will get to audition it :^).

Unknown to many, there are plans for a giant tube amp from Aesthetix, something equal to the Io and Callisto in a bad ass amp. I'm hoping it's 6550 based and better than VTL and ARC, maybe then I can have Aesthetix at both ends of my system.

If not, the VTL 750's are making wonderful music.

albertporter July 21, 2008 23:45

A new Aesthetix Atlas amp is arriving shortly for my dad, its a great sounding amp, have you ever heard it?

chadnliz July 21, 2008 23:37

Thought I would include this information, it was confirmed by the factory that the new chassis and performance upgrades will be referred to as the Eclipse.

Callisto Eclipse and Io Eclipse, images at top of this thread are the final design as far as I know.

albertporter January 23, 2008 21:04

Your dealer may not have known the new model was coming. I was surprised when I walked into the room at CES and discovered the new design.

Sure, I heard rumors but like Aesthetix remote control, sometimes there is a significant time gap between design and implementation.

I don't think you will have any problem getting your dealer to order you the new model, they are in business to make sales and keep you happy.

albertporter January 16, 2008 22:03

Hi Albert
Money is not the issue.I feel upset because I was not properly informed by dealer that there will be a new version coming up.Upgrading the "just bought" pre is a time and money waste. Just like you , I wanna the best.

vsfang January 15, 2008 17:16

Vsang, the Callisto in the photo is designated by a new name and it's more money. Unless you paid for the more expensive model I expect your's will be the current version.

albertporter January 15, 2008 14:42

Just ordered a Callisto Signature two weeks ago but not sure if it is the new Model or not.

I don't want to spend big money to upgrade a "just bought " preamp.

I will be upset if they send me the old model.

vsfang January 15, 2008 06:16

Jjhf5678, I don't know prices yet.

You're correct about the capacitor changes. That's the most significant part of the upgrade sonically speaking.

Aesthetix ( Jim's White) chose the latest and greatest caps by Peter Moncrief. The appearance is a very smooth shiny exterior and gold colored. Construction I think, is film and foil.

I and three guys in California were the test bed for some of the upgrades, my Callisto has the new caps but not my Io. The new metal chassis designates the upgrade. I believe the factory wants the upgrade and chassis together with a new name. I heard the name at CES but I’ll avoid printing that until I'm sure I'm not giving out bad data.

The cap change to my Callisto was huge and my audition was listening through my stock Io (phono stage) since LP is my prime source.

Jim White told me the Aesthetix remote was getting the same face lift, I hope to get mine upgraded at the same time as the other six chassis.

albertporter January 13, 2008 17:08

Yeah, it looks like they're using some new caps in the phono stage. Very nice looking!

Did you get any idea of what the price would be to upgrade yours/my Io Signature??

Thanks for posting the pics!

jjhf5678 January 13, 2008 15:59

Elbreroth2,

Is your comment regarding the Dutch Auto company? Their style is very forward looking.

I plan on getting the metal on my two Aesthetix pieces upgraded. I like the new look and there are circuit changes that come with it for increased performance.

albertporter January 13, 2008 13:44

Talk about Spyker style !

elberoth2 January 13, 2008 01:59