AESTHETIX MIMAS. The perfect combination between the Calypso Preamp and the Atlas power amp in a single chassis and at a lower price.

Mimas is an integrated hybrid amplifier intended for high performance home theater and audio systems. Designed to bridge the gap between ultra-high performance separators, such as our Atlas amplifier and Calypso line station, and mass market receivers. Sound quality, ease of use, flexibility and reliability are hallmarks of the design.

That "Aesthetix sound"

During four years in development, the challenge of delivering the Aesthetix sound in a more accessible package has been fully met. The same volume control used in our award-winning Calypso was borrowed for use in the Mimas. It consists of 88 1dB steps, using interchangeable 1% metal film resistors. Volume control has long been considered one of the toughest design challenges in a preamp, with more compromised designs using potentiometers that impart music with a muted tone due to loss of detail. Others use inexpensive IC-based volume controls that have good channel matching and a small step size, but impart a harshness and brilliance to the sound. Our volume control avoids these pitfalls. It is expensive, but it is worth it.

Fully differential and balanced amplification

The preamp section uses one 6DJ8 (6922) vacuum tube per channel in a fully differential and balanced configuration. Again, borrowed from our Calypso preamp, this circuit will balance a single ended input and provide voltage gain before the power amp section. This stage uses Roederstein plate load resistors from Germany, reliable capacitor coupling capacitors from California, USA, and a discrete solid state current source. The tubes are burned for more than 100 hours before testing. Our tube test regimen includes full FFT distortion analysis, gain adjustment within .1dB, noise levels, and miking.

For power amplification, we again looked at our industry standard products and borrowed a derivative from the output section of our Atlas amplifier. This power output section is fully discrete (no ICs), fully differential, zero feedback, DC coupled, balanced bridge output operating on Class AB. It is capable of 150W into 8 ohms, and nearly doubles into 4ohms, with both channels controlled. Aesthetix carefully combines individual FET input devices and bipolar output devices to ensure the channel matching, linearity, and load-driving stability of any loudspeaker.

"Over-powered" power supply

A key part of any Aesthetix part is our dedication to overbuilt and advanced technology power supplies. Mimas is no different, incorporating no less than seven fully regulated power supplies. Fundamental to any power amplifier, the high current power supply is provided by a separate center tapped transformer winding capable of 750VA and 176,800uF capacity for a total energy storage of more than 110 joules. The high voltage supply for the vacuum tubes is a fully discrete regulated supply with more than 220uF of capacitance supplied by a separate high voltage transformer winding. Mimas input circuits are operated by a fully discrete regulated supply with over 4,400uF of supply capacity. Vacuum tube heater supplies are fully DC regulated. The 900VA low-flux power transformer, incorporating 5 separate secondary windings, is designed and manufactured by Aesthetix at our facility in Moorpark, California.

Precious to hear and see

Case design and industrial design have also been a hallmark of Aesthetix components. An all-aluminum cabinet made in Santa Barbara, California, provides the foundation for performance and cosmetic appeal. The chassis is .125 "thick. The transformer is protected from the sensitive audio circuitry by a stainless steel cover, which adds structure and rigidity. The faceplate incorporates 5 machined aluminum buttons, and a new control interface. volume is built into the lens of the screen.

MIMO SPECIFICATIONS

Power section: Output power: 150W into 8 ohms, <1% THD; 280W into 4 ohms, <1% THD, both channels controlled.

Input impedance: 20Kohms single ended, 40Kohms balanced

Bandwidth at full power: 4 - 150 kHz

Nominal THD at full power: <1%

Preamp section: Inputs: 5 RCA or XLR lines (balanced)

Volume control: Switched resistance network volume control with 88 steps of 1 dB

Dimensions: 43.4 x 44.9 x 14 cm

Weight: 20 Kg.

Shipping weight: 23 Kg.

Finish: black or silver.