Aesthetix Audio Rhea Owners Manual

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rhea 
PHONO STAGE 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aesthetix Audio Corporation 
5220 Gabbert Rd., Suite A ♦ Moorpark, CA. 93021 
Phone: (805) 529-9901 
  

INTRODUCTION 
 
 
     Thank you for purchasing the Rhea Phono Stage.  The Rhea is a groun\
dbreaking audio 
component which combines sonic quality, innovative features and build quality with 
lineage directly traceable to the reference Io phono stage.  Rhea contai\
ns solid state 
circuitry but all of its amplification is achieved using vacuum tubes, with enough gain for 
the lowest output moving coils.   
 
Rhea’s advanced microprocessor-based control circuitry is fully inactive when not in use 
i.e....

 
CONNECTIONS 
 
 
1)  Connect one or more cartridges to the Rhea’s inputs.  Only shielded cables are recommended.  Multiple turntables are supported as well as multiple arms on the 
same turntable. 
2)  Using either the single-ended (RCA) or balanced (XLR) outputs, conne\
ct the Rhea to your Aesthetix linestage, or whatever preamp you are using while awaiting delivery 
of your Aesthetix linestage.  (Yes, this is a joke.  Rhea is suitable f\
or use with any 
preamplifier).  Use of balanced connections...

MUTE 
 
Pressing the mute button will alternately mute or unmute the unit.  When the mute light is 
illuminated, the Rhea is muted.  When muted, the output is shorted to ground. 
 
GAIN ADJUSTMENT 
 
Pressing the gain button will show the gain for the currently selected i\
nput.  Press the 
right side of the display glass to increase the gain, and the left side \
of the glass to 
decrease the gain.  The gain displayed is in dB and is the gain attained\
 when the unit is 
new with factory supplied tubes....

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 
for 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. 
 
Each...

5 second delay and then the display will extinguish.  If the standby but\
ton was pressed, 
the unit will enter the standby mode.  The standby light is always illuminated, regardless 
of whether the display was on or off. 
 
Pressing the display button while the display is off, or during the 5 se\
cond timeout 
period, will turn on the display and normal operation will return. 
 
Note:  The LED for the display button is intentionally inactive. 
 
 
Advanced display functionality 
 
This unit contains...

To access this section, first press and hold the “display” button,\
 then concurrently press 
“2” button. This can only be done from the front panel.  It is recommended that once this 
section is entered, that all adjustments be made with the remote at some distance from the 
unit, so as not to obstruct light from reaching the sensor.  LED #2 will light, and the 
display will show two numbers in the range 00-15, one on the left display and one on the 
right display.  The left number indicates the light...

 
Specifications 
      
Fuses:  
 
External fuse (in IEC power connector)    2 amp slow blow (117v) 
1 amp slow blow (230v) 
Spare fuse included in IEC power connector. 
 
Tubes: 
 
V1 & V2  12AX7LP, 12AX7 or E83CCS 
V3 & V4  12AX7WB, 12AX7 or E83CCS 
V5   6922 (6DJ8) 
 
Power Consumption: 
 
Standby: 20 watts 
Active:   100  watts 
 
Dimensions: 
 
18 Width x 17 5/8 Depth x 4 3/8 Height 
In Box – 22” x 22” x 10” 
 
Shipping Weight:  
 
39 lbs (17.5Kg) 
 
 
 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 se t 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...