The Signature version uses custom-made inter-stage Teflon hybrid coupling capacitors, replacing the polypropylene units, between the gain stage and output stage (2 per channel). The change in these capacitors results in higher resolution, extension, less grain and more air. The 2uF output coupling capacitors (4 per channel) are replaced with 4uF Dynamicaps. This change provides more drive, bass extension, resolution and dynamics while also reducing grain. For the phono section, the Signature Version uses custom-made inter-stage Teflon hybrid coupling capacitors, replacing the polypropylene units, between the 2nd and 3rd gain stages(2 total per channel). The change in these capacitors results in higher resolution, extension, less grain and more air. The 2uF output coupling capacitors that drive the line section (2 per channel) are replaced with 4uF Dynamicaps. This change provides more drive, bass extension, resolution and dynamics while also reducing grain. Highly specialized adjustable air-core capacitors, used primarily in the radio-frequency realm, are installed and adjusted to ”tweek” each unit to a rigid standard. The five rubber feet are replaced with Harmonic Resolutions Systems’ Nimbus Couplers specially made for Aesthetix (Earlier Signature Saturn pieces did not incorporate this, please contact Aesthetix for this free upgrade if you have an earlier Signature piece without the Nimbus Couplers). This change results in a lower noise floor and more air and space. The cost of these specialized parts alone is about 1/4 the manufacturing cost of a brand new unit! Any tubes that can be bettered by our special stock of graded and matched tubes are replaced. Any other improvements needed to make the unit current are installed, including software updates, etc. A new lens with ”SIGNATURE” stenciled is installed. Each Signature unit undergoes rigorous test procedures and listening.
Utmärkelser
The Absolute Sound Editor’s Choice Awards 2011 (March 2011)
The Absolute Sound 2011 High-End Audio Buyer’s Guide
The Absolute Sound High-End Buyer’s Guide (Spring 2010)
The Absolute Sound Editor’s Choice Awards 2010 (March 2010)
Specifications
Inputs: 1 phono RCA (SE), 5 line RCA or XLR (balanced), plus 1 tape, RCA or XLR
Outputs: 2 RCA (SE) and XLR (balanced), 1 tape RCA
Phono gain settings: 8 total; 75, 68, 62, 56, 50, 44, 38 dB, and off
Phono load settings: 9 total; 47 K ohms, 10K, 5K, 2.5K, 1K, 500 ohms, 250, 125, and 75 ohms
Line level gain: 23 dB single ended (SE), in/out, and 29 dB balanced/out
Volume control: switched resistor network volume control with 88 1 dB steps
Front panel controls: main input, tape input select, volume, balance, phase, mute, display, bypass and standby
Remote controls: main input, tape input select, volume, balance, phase, mute, display, phono gain and loading, demagnetizer, bypass and standby
Frequency response: +- 0.25 dB, 20 Hz – 20 Khz
Signal to noise: measured at 70 dB minimum A-weighted (ref 1 mv input, 75 dB gain setting)
Line input impedence: 40 k ohms SE, 80 k ohms balanced
Maximum line input: 3.5 volts SE, 7.0 volts RMS balanced
Output impedence: 1K ohms SE, 600 ohms balanced
Recommended load: 10K ohms or greater (SE), 20K ohms or greater (Balanced)
Tubes, each channel: phono section: V1 & V2 (12AX7-factory graded low noise), V3 (12AX7), V4 (6922/6DJ8); line section: V1 (12AX7 or equivalent), V2 (6922/6DJ8)
Power consumption: 20 watts standby, 120 watts active
Physical dimensions: 4 3/8″ high, 17 7/8″ wide, 18″ deep including jacks
Shipping weight: 40 lbs.
Specifications subject to improvement or change without notice.
