Aesthetix Janus Signature Preamplifier

Aesthetix Janus Signature Preamplifier

Janus Signature is a full-function all-tube preamplifier with six line level inputs and one phono input. Janus represents the key features of Rhea phono stage and Calypso linestage combined into a single chassis. All tube amplification and output, a fully balanced linestage, discrete switched resistor volume control, versatile single-ended and balanced inputs and outputs, and dual-mono audio boards are all part of Janus. The full function remote controls all preamp and phono functions, including gain, loading, absolute phase and the internal demagnetizer. True to its Saturn Series heritage, the build and sound quality of Janus have won it global praise, including 2010 and 2011 TAS Editor's Choice Awards.

• Fully balanced differential line-level circuitry with ability to internally balance a single ended input signal.
• RCA and XLR provided for each input.
• Discrete resistor volume control with 88 1dB steps.
• Zero feedback.
• Phono input: 40-75dB gain maximum, selectable via front panel or remote control.
• Built-in MC cartridge demagnetizer.
• 9 MC loading settings: 75-47,000 ohms, selectable via front panel or remote control.
• All tube amplification and output (12 tubes total).
• Two sets of XLR and two sets of RCA outputs per channel.
• Bypass mode for home theatre processor throughput.
• Absolute phase, selectable via front panel or remote control.
• Full function remote included.
• Available in black or silver faceplate.

Janus is available in two versions: Standard and Signature. The Signature version uses exotic and expensive coupling capacitors and other critical parts to bring the performance to a higher level.

The Janus 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.

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