“Another home run for Aesthetix, the tubed Romulus combines a disc player and DAC (USB, AES/EBU, SPDIF inputs) in a highly functional and great-sounding component. The additional $1000 from the base price buys you an innovative volume control that allows you to drive a power amplifier directly. The build- and parts quality are first-rate. Sonically, the Romulus offers an exceptionally natural sound with a great sense of ease and an expansive soundstage.”

Robert Harley, The Absolute Sound

“…the updated Mimas didn’t disappoint. I was not only surprised by the sheer silence of this phonostage, but frankly a little shocked by the transient fireworks and dynamic liveliness that began springing forth from my vinyl collection. I originally dubbed Mimas “the very definition of what I am seeking today in an integrated amplifier,” but I need to amend that characterization. Now it’s also among the most versatile.”

Neil Gader, The Absolute Sound

“ The Mimas is an old musical soul and not just another high-performance entrant in the über-integrated amp sweeps. Beyond its muscular 150Wpc output, this first integrated from Aesthetix can express the full palette of tonal and textural colors with harmonic ripeness. It embodies many of the classic sonic virtues of the golden era of tubes, but with the ease, control, and extension that are the hallmarks of today’s finest solid- state. ”

Neil Gader, The Absolute Sound

“The Mimas is an old musical soul and not just another high-performance entrant in the über-integrated amp sweeps. Beyond its muscular 150Wpc output, this first integrated from Aesthetix is capable of expressing the full palette of tonal and textural colors with harmonic ripeness. It embodies many of the classic sonic virtues of the golden era of tubes, but with the ease, control, and extension that are the hallmarks of today’s finest. Its character has hints of classic midrange warmth and airy treble sweetness with bass response that is as nimble as it is formidable. The very definition of what we all seek from an integrated amplifier.”

Neil Gader, The Absolute Sound

“Sonically, the Calypso is characterized by extremely good dynamics and dynamic nuance. Although the treble is smooth and somewhat laid-back, transparency and resolution are first-rate. Noise floor is highly dependent on tube quality, which has been variable. Competes with the megabuck preamps. The Signature version improves on the Calypso’s already terrific performance with an expanded soundstage, richer portfolio of instrumental textures, more air, longer decays, and better-defined bass. AT found that the Signature version imparted a warmer cast to timbres.”

Robert Harley, The Absolute Sound

“The Janus combines Aesthetix’ Calypso linestage with a scaled-down Rhea phonostage in a single chassis. The Signature version features upgraded parts in the identical circuit. The units share numerous qualities: speed and detail; a low noise floor; precise rhythms; dynamics that are almost reference-caliber; and a laid-back perspective. The quiet background and smooth highs add up to long hours of glorious, fatigue-free listening.”

The Absolute Sound

If you need a high-end preamp with a built-in phonostage we can’t think of a better alternative than the Janus, and the Atlas Signature is one of the finest power amplifiers we’ve heard.

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