Aesthetix Rhea Signature MM/MC Phono Preamplifier

Code: AEST-RHEA-SIG
  • £12,455.00
  • (FREE UK Delivery)
  |   Usually dispatched within 24 hours
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The Aesthetix Rhea Signature version uses custom-made inter-stage Teflon hybrid coupling capacitors, replacing the polypropylene units, between the 2nd and 3rd, and 3rd and 4th, gain stages (4 total per channel).

Key Features:

  • Three RCA inputs.
  • Each input has its own gain and loading setting that is saved even when in standby mode or the unit is turned off.
  • Zero feedback.
  • 40-75dB gain maximum, selectable via front panel or remote control.
  • 9 MC loading settings: 75-47,000 ohms, selectable via front panel or remote control.
  • Remote control of gain, loading, input switching, mute, and demagnetizer.
  • Built-in MC cartridge demagnetizer.
  • Two sets of XLR and two sets of RCA outputs per channel.
  • All tube amplification and output (10 tubes total).
  • Full function remote included.
  • Available in black or silver faceplate.
The change in these capacitors results in higher resolution, extension, less grain and more air. The 2uF coupling capacitor between the 1st and 2nd gain stages is replaced with a 4uF Dynamicap by Peter Moncrief (1 per channel). This change removes grain and provides more openness, while also increasing bass dynamics and slam. The 2uF output coupling capacitors (4 per channel) are also 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.
 
Technical Specifications:
  • Inputs: 3 discrete phono inputs with RCA (SE)
  • Gain settings (selectable for each input): 8 total; 75, 68, 62, 56, 50, 44, 38 dB, and off
  • Load settings (selectable for each input): 9 total: 47 K ohms, 10K, 5K, 2.5K, 1K, 500 ohms, 250, 125, and 75 ohms
  • Outputs: 2 RCA (SE) and 2 XLR (balanced)
  • Output impedence: 1K ohms RCA (SE), 600 ohms XLR (balanced)
  • Front panel controls: phono input, mute, gain, loading, demagnetizer, and standby
  • Remote controls: phono input, mute, gain, loading, demagnetizer, 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)
  • Recommended load: 10 k ohms or greater
  • Tubes (each channel): V1 & V2 (12AX7LP-factory graded low noise), V3 & V4 (12AX7 or equivalent) and V5 (6922)
  • Power consumption: 20 watts standby, 100 watts active
  • Physical dimensions: 4 3/8" high, 17 7/8" wide, 18" deep including jacks
  • Shipping weight: 40 lbs

We endeavour to despatch same day for orders placed up to 1pm on available stock items (items with stock message "Usually dispatched within 24 hours"). Please remember to check with us first for a physical stock check if next day delivery is important to you. Any items with stock message "Usually dispatched within 72 hours" are items that we do not hold in stock but order in from the importer or manufacturer as soon as a customer order is received. Occasionally these may be delayed beyond 72 hours due to importer/manufacturer stock levels but we will inform you as soon as we can if this is the case.

UK Orders

We despatch the bulk of our UK mainland items on a 24 hour service – Free of Charge. Non Mainland locations - Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, the Scilly Isles, the Scottish highlands and Islands, the Channel Islands and Northern Ireland may take a day or so longer and are not Free of Charge. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail 24 or special delivery. Larger items are delivered using a courier service such as DPD or UPS.

International Orders

Due to the nature of our products and brand restrictions we are only able to send certain items internationally. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail Small Packets Airmail with International Tracked and/or Signed depending on value of item and availability of the service. Larger International shipments are sent by insured and tracked services using UPS. If there are any delays due to specific customs regulations, etc, you will be contacted by Hifisound or by the courier with a request for any further information required. Customs duties can apply for shipments to any countries outside of the UK depending on where the product you have bought is made. Customers are responsible for all taxes and duties incurred when the items enter their country.

Collect in Store or Home Install

At the request of the manufacturer some items cannot be supplied by mail order but you can click and buy them and then elect to collect them from our store or arrange a home install (if applicable). Applicable items clearly state that they are Collect in store or home install. Once ordered you will receive a message prompting you to contact us by phone or email to arrange for us to deliver and install or to reserve and collect from our store at your convenience, you will also be advised of the delivery time / stock availability as not all Home install / collect in store items are held in stock.