Aesthetix Dione Hybrid Stereo Power Amplifier
As the driving force in your audio system, Dione is built to render your music with power and finesse. This hybrid design draws inspiration from our award-winning Atlas power amplifier and Mimas integrated amplifier. Featuring zero-feedback and differential balanced bridge outputs, Dione liberates your music with impact and inspiration.
DESIGN AND INNOVATION
Dione's design, derived from decades of research and development, leverages the strengths of our cutting-edge tube and solid-state circuits. Featuring a vacuum tube input / gain stage (one 6922 / 6DJ8 per channel), followed by an output module consisting of a FET input stage, bipolar driver stage, and bipolar output stage, Dione is a masterpiece of hybrid synergy.
The zero-feedback gain stage utilizes one 6DJ8 (6922) vacuum tube per channel in a fully differential, balanced configuration, preserving the dimensionality and transcendent performance captured in your favorite recordings. A single-ended input will be balanced at this stage, so the differential topology is taken advantage of even for single-ended inputs.
As a standard part of our build process, we burn in our tubes for over 100 hours before testing to ensure the most accurate results. We then do a complete FFT distortion analysis on each tube and match the set for your amplifier to within .2dB of each other.
Our zero-feedback, differentially balanced solid-state output stage is constructed from some of the best parts available, including Roederstein™ resistors from Reliable™ Capacitors, and the highly sought after Toshiba 2SK246/2SJ103 FETs. We painstakingly match individual FET input and bipolar output devices to ensure channel matching, linearity, and stability, allowing Dione to drive any speaker load.
A key part of any Aesthetix piece is our devotion to overbuilt, state-of-the-art, fully-regulated power supplies. To begin, we design and manufacture our transformers in-house, ensuring the best possible voltage source feeds our power supplies. These Aesthetix low flux transformers incorporate multiple secondary windings, delivering pure, stable power to each critical circuit. Discrete regulation, which provides a precisely tailored response, is used for critical analog sections such as high voltage for tubes, and low voltage for the vacuum tube current source. Other isolated, fully regulated supplies are provided for the vacuum tube heaters and control system.
A hallmark of Aesthetix components is the simple, timeless beauty of the casework and industrial design. Dione's all-aluminum machined chassis, manufactured in Santa Barbara, California, provides a solid foundation for its performance. Additionally, our thoughtful construction employs a stainless steel transformer shield to protect sensitive circuitry, ensuring no detail is left unresolved. Built to amaze you, Dione is ready for a lifetime of performance.
FEATURES AND FUNCTIONALITY
Designed to meet the needs of modern audio systems, we've built in some valuable features without compromising the performance of your amplifier.
Analog inputs, balanced or single-ended: Balanced circuitry is one of our core design tenets because of its ability to reject noise, allowing you to delve deeper into your favorite music. Dione offers both balanced and single-ended inputs. We suggest using the balanced connection whenever possible. If single-ended is your only option, don't worry; we immediately convert the signal to balanced inside Dione, taking full advantage of the amplifier's differentially balanced design.
Standby Mode: When you aren't actively listening to your system, we provide a mode where the tubes are turned off, but the solid-state circuitry remains powered on in a reduced-bias mode. This mode preserves the life of your tubes and keeps Dione ready for when your musical mood returns, while also conserving power consumption and heat.
Control: Dione features an RS232 DB-9 connector on the rear panel, allowing it to connect to advanced control systems. We also equip this amplifier with a 1/8" jack, allowing it to be conveniently triggered on or off by other equipment.
CUSTOMIZATION
We offer an additional option for your Dione, allowing it to fit into more unique systems.
High pass crossover: For systems where ideal performance relies on rolling off the low frequencies to the main speakers, you can add a hardware-adjustable 6dB per octave high pass crossover to Dione. This option includes eight selectable frequencies accessible on the amplifier's rear panel.
Product Specifications
Power Output: 180W into 8 ohms, 280W into 4 ohms
Inputs: RCA and XLR (balanced)
Input Impedance: 100Kohms single-ended, 200Kohms balanced
Bandwidth at Full Power: 4 - 150kHz
Rated THD at Full Power: 1%
Tubes: One 6DJ8 / 6922 per channel
RS232: 1 DB9 connector
Trigger: 0-12V input using a 1/8" mono jack
Options: High pass first-order crossover with 8 rear panel selectable crossover frequencies
Standby Mode: Tubes are turned off but solid-state circuitry remains powered
Dimensions: 17 7/8" x 17 11/16" x 5 1/2" / 43.4 x 44.9 x 14 cm
Weight: 41 lbs / 18.6 Kg
Shipping Weight: 51 lbs / 23.1 Kg
Finish: Black or silver
Warranty: 3 years, non-transferable
Specifications subject to improvement or change without notice.
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