Aestheix Calypso owners,tube advise needed

Jd - I talked for some time with Brent Jesse and took his recommendations on my tube selection. I told him my taste and what my system consisted of and what tubes were recommended by Audiogon members in this thread. I bought a matched pair of nos Telefekunken 12ax7s smooth plate, 60s vintage. A matched pair of nos Amperex 6DJ8s Bugleboys 60s vintage. I was looking for a transparent, detailed, natural sound without any coloration. Basiclly I want the same thing my Pass Labs X-0.2 preamp gave me but at a lower price point. My used Calypso came with 2 sets of 12ax7s (seller had a bad packing day)so I ended up going to a small electronics shop in Marin (north of San Francisco)and buying a pair of nos Sylvania 6DJ8s so I could get up and running. I am not disappointed with the sound I have now...but it is not up to the standard I was use too.

Why don't you look into the new Blackburn 12AX7's,. I found this write up and some responses posted in the other audio forum where the tube inmates hang out.

http://www.techtubevalves.com/valves/e813cc.php

I am interested as well since I have an Aesthetix IO Signature and would be willing to try the new Blackburns as well.

Ciao,
Audioquest4life

I agree with Jadem6 as I use Mullard 12AX7 and Amperex 6922 in my Calypso. The tubes I found were dead quiet with the Calypso set in High Gain. I only mentioned the low gain setting as it opens up the doors to using so many other tubes. I am looking for a tube sound, otherwise I would have stayed with Solid State as it is less expensive in the long run.

AQ4life- Thanks for the Blackburn tube info...euro prices? about $60usd?.

Mds- I decided to start my tube setup with a neutral
sound...a place to start. The Telefunken/Amperex combo was recommended by some in this thread as did Brent Jesse. I replaced my S.S. pre not because I was searching for a better one, I needed the money. I sold my mono blocks, preamp, best CD players, very good wire and my Car! I replaced all with good "less expensive" equipment. I have come up with a better than expected system. I was not looking for a "tube sound", I was looking for the best sound for my taste that I could afford. I realise every piece adds it's own sonic signature to the music. I rely on my ears to decide if it sounds natural...nothing added...nothing taken away. I'm sure I will try different tube combinations in the future..that's what you guys are for...telling me what I am missing and what will sound better in my system. I do appreciate all the input!

I've had my Calypso for 2 years ... Telefunken 12AX7 ribbed for now. bought an NOS 6922 but honestly the difference isn't worth the extra $ (not that it isn't noticeable but i could spend $ on other stuff).

I always wonder if it's better if I go to something else like a Modwright transporter and skip the Calypso ...