Aesthetix Audio Io Owners Manual with Volume Control

							
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Io with Volume Control 
PHONO STAGE 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OWNERS MANUAL 
 
 
 
 
Aesthetix Audio Corporation 
5220 Gabbert Rd., Suite A ♦ Moorpark, CA. 93021 
Phone: (805) 529-9901  
						

							
INTRODUCTION 
 
 
     Thank you for purchasing the Io Phono Stage.  It has been engineered to 
deliver the highest attainable sound quality from your turntable.  This is its sole 
purpose.  Only the highest grade elect ronic components are used in the Io, 
including:  non-inductive wirewound resist ors 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 low 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 any time it  is on.  If it is positioned within an 
enclosed space then fans may be warra nted.  All air vents must remain 
unobstructed.  The power supply is the main source of heat and should therefore 
be positioned for adequate ve ntilation and away from the main unit, if possible.  
Placement of the power supply immediat ely below the main unit reduces the 
tube life of Ios tubes. 
 
 
  2 
						

							
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. 
 
Gain:  Gain is adjusted using the front panel volume controls.  No internal gain adjustment is 
available on units with volume controls. 
 
The correct loading will be achieved when music has the right balance of dynamics, high 
frequency extension and lack of glare or bri ghtness.  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 s\
etting 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 fr equency extension and lack of glare or 
brightness.  
 
3 
						

							
CONNECTIONS 
 
CAUTION: It is vitally important that you do NOT disconnect the umbilical cables (between 
the power supply and main unit) for AT LEAST 15 MINUTES AFTER TURNING OFF 
THE MAIN POWER SWITCH and removing the AC cord from the power supply. 
  
Note:  Never connect power supplys power cord to a wall outlet while umbilical cables 
between main unit and power supply are disconnected.   
 
A.  Connect the male end of one of the supplied umbilical cables to a power output jack on 
the power supply.  This is a keyed connector so proper alignment is necessary for correct 
pin connection. 
 
B.  Connect the female end of the same umbilical cable to a male receptacle on the main unit. 
 
C.  Connect the male end of the other supplied umbilical cable to the remaining power output jack on the power supply.   
 
D.  Connect the female end of the same umbilical cable to the remaining male receptacle on the main unit. 
 
E.  Connect turntable to the Io using either RCA or XLR connectors. 
 
F.  If desired, connect source component to auxillary input using RCA or XLR connections.  It is not permissible to connect two source components, one to the RCA and one to the 
XLR connectors. 
 
G.  Connect Io to either a preamp line level input or a linestage input using the XLR or RCA connections.  If your Io is equipped with volume controls, it may be connected directly to 
a power amplifier. 
 
H.  Because the Io contains no turn-on mute circuitry the following procedure is recommended anytime the Io is initially turned on: 
 
I.  Ensure that either the power amplifier is off (necessary if the Io is connected directly to the power amplifier) or the linestage (preamp) is selected to an input different from the 
one Io is connected to.  This will prevent any turn-on artifacts from reaching the 
loudspeakers. 
 
J.  Connect power cord of the power supply to an unswitched grounded wall ou\
tlet.  It is not recommended to use any sort of line conditioner or ac generating device.  Any \
failure 
caused by such a device will not be covered under warranty. 
 
  4 
						

							
OPERATION 
 
Caution: Lower Volume controls all of the way before selecting a different 
input via the front panel toggle switches. 
 
*Ensure linestage/preamp and/or power amp are properly muted to prevent 
possible damage to speakers. 
 
A.  Turn power on. 
 
B.  Wait at least fifteen minutes for power supplies to fully stabilize before 
unmuting preamp or turning on / unmuting power amplifier. 
 
C.  Begin playing record. 
 
D. If the optional second input is insta lled, before switching inputs turn both 
channels volume completely counter clockwise (OFF). 
 
E.  Always unmute linestage with volum e fully counter-clockwise and then 
slowly increase the volume until desi red listening level is achieved. 
 
F.  Mute linestage before lifting stylus from record.  This will prevent any 
unwanted noises from reaching the speakers.  The PHONO / AUX switch 
may be used as a mute switch, provided that the other source is not playing. 
 
G.  Before turning Io off, ensures that  preamp/linestage and/or power amp are 
properly muted. 
 
H.  Turn off Io. 
  5 
						

							
 
A NOTE ON TUBES  
     The Io has been designed to minimize differences between tube brands.  
Different brands and quality levels s till sound different in the Io but these 
differences are minimal and in most cases not worth the efforts involved in 
finding and purchasing them.  A great deal of listening was invested in finding 
the optimal tube types and brands for the  Io.  It is therefore not recommended to 
try different tube brands and more impor tantly different tube types.   Should 
there be a need to replace one or more  tubes it is recommended that they be 
purchased from Aesthetix as these tubes are  tested in the units they are used in. 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
V1 and V2   =  12AX7LP, 12AX7 or E83CCS 
 
V3 – V6    =  12AX7WB, 12AX7 or E83CCS 
 
V7   = 6922 
 
V8   = 6SN7 
 
 
 
 
 
6 
						

							
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION 
 
 
NOTE:  The following is a detailed technical description of the circuitr\
y 
employed in the Io. It is intended for technically inclined readers for 
informational purposes only. 
 
     The Io comprises two separate units, the phono stage itself and the power 
supply unit.  The units are connected together via two detachable umbilical 
cords.   
 
     The phono stage contains three main amplification sections and an output 
buffer section.  The first section is a high gain, low noise, zero feedb\
ack single 
ended amplifier composed of two low-noise 12AX7 vacuum tubes.  This then 
feeds a high gain, low noise differential amplifier (two 12AX7 vacuum tubes) 
which amplifies the signal and produces  a complementary minus phase signal.  
Thus, the unit is balanced from the second amplification section through the 
output.  The signal is then applied to the third amplification section which is 
nearly identical to the second.  It also  contains two 12AX7 vacuum tubes.  The 
filter is next in the signal path, a purel y passive design with the highest grade 
capacitors and non-inductive wirewound resistors throughout.  Lastly, the signal 
is buffered and sent to the output jack s in balanced form.  Each separate 
amplification section has its own power  supply filtering network and regulated 
heater supply to isolate the individual sections and prevent them from 
interacting. 
 
     The Power Supply has two main sections, the heater power supplies and the 
primary plus and minus power supplies.  The heart of the heater supply  
is its massive, low flux, 210 volt-amp power transformer which has fourteen 
separate secondary windings that are i ndividually regulated and supply both the 
power supply and main unit tubes.  The primary high voltage supply is 
composed of a similarly massive 170 volt-amp 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. 
  7 
						

							
Notes 
 
Then section gain is 3dB single-ended in/out and 9dB Balanced in/out. 
 
The 2 rear panel fuses on the power supply are 2A slow blow for 100/110 \
and 
117V units or 2A slow blow for 230 and 245V units. 
 
 
 
 
 8 
						

							
90 DAY LIMITED WARRANTY TERMS AND CONDITIONS 
(3 Year optional extended service contract) 
 
1.  Aesthetix warrants the product designated herein to be free of manufacturing defects in material and 
workmanship, subject to the conditions herein set forth, for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase by the 
original purchaser. If the purchaser registers the unit with Aesthetix by mailing in the warranty card, together 
with a copy of the bill of sale, within 14 days of the date of purchase, said purchaser will be registered for an 
extended service contract. The extended service contract extends the 90 days to a period of 3 years from the date 
of purchase by the original purchaser or no later than 4 years from the date of shipment to the authorized 
Aesthetix dealer, whichever comes first.  The warra nty period for factory tubes does not get extended and 
therefore remains at 90 days. 
 
2. CONDITIONS 
  This warranty is subject to the following cond itions and limitations.  The warranty is void and 
inapplicable if the product has been  used or handled other than in accord ance with the instructions in the 
owners manual, abused or misused, dama ged by accident or neglect or in being transported, or the defect is due 
to the product being repaired or tampered with or modi fied by anyone other than Aesthetix. The product must 
be packed and returned to Aesthetix by the customer at  his or her sole expense.  A returned product must be 
accompanied by a written description of  the defect and a photocopy of the original purchase receipt.  This 
receipt must clearly list model and seri al number, the date of purchase,  the name and address of the purchaser 
and authorized dealer and the purchase price.  Aesthetix reserves the right to modify the design of any product 
without obligation to purchasers of previously manufactured products and to change the prices or specifications 
of any product without notice or obligation to any person. 
 
3. REMEDY 
  In the event the above product fails to meet the wa rranty, and the above conditions have been met, the 
purchasers sole remedy under the limited warranty shall be  to return the product to Aesthetix where the defect 
will be rectified without charge for parts or labor. 
 
4.  LIMITED TO ORIGINAL PURCHASER 
  This warranty is for the sole benefit of the original purchaser of the covered product and shall not be 
transferred to a  subsequent purchaser of the product. 
 
5.  DURATION OF WARRANTY 
  This warranty expires 90 days after the date of or iginal purchase.  If Aesthetix receives the warranty 
registration card, this period is extended to the third anniversary of the date of purchase or no later that the 
fourth anniversary of the shipment to the authorized Aesthetix dealer, whichever comes first.  The warranty 
period for factory tubes does not get extended and therefore remains at 90 days. 
 
6.   MISCELLANEOUS 
  ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES RELATING TO  THE ABOVE PRODUCT SHALL BE LIMITED 
TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY.  THE WARRANTY DOES NOT EXTEND TO ANY  
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL COSTS OR DAMAGE S TO THE PURCHASER.  Some states do not 
allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or an exclusion or limitation  of incidental or 
consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclus ions may not apply to you.  This Warranty gives you 
specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. 
 
7.    WARRANTY  OUTSIDE THE USA 
  Aesthetix has formal di stribution in many of the countries of the free world, in each country the 
Aesthetix importer has contractually accepted the re sponsibility for product warranty.  Warranty should 
normally be obtained from the importing dealer or distributor from whom you obtain your product.
 
V1.21    4-8-14 
9