BAT Vk-51 SE vs Aesthetix Calypso

Bill, In addition to better bass, you will also get a lower noise floor with the BAT. This equates to better low level detail. Both freq extremes will be better. Fremer and Harley rave about both, go figure...

I had the VK-31se and the Calypso here at the same time for 2-3 weeks to compare. Even with the lower model 31se the BAT was nicer than the Calypso, with equal detail, more weight, better and deeper bass, and most of all MUCH quieter.

I had the 51SE then downsized somewhat and had the Calypso, everthing else in the system was the same at the time.

I thougth the Calypso was a very nice preamp but not in the same league as the BAT. The BAT was quieter and had more of the dynamics and heft you mentioned. To me it just sounded more natural.

I don't think the comparision is fair to the Calypso as the retail price of the BAT was twice the cost. I think here you get into that area of diminishing returns. To me the BAT wasn't "twice" as nice as the Calypso but in my system and in my opinion it was a much better preamp.

You may want to seek the signature version of the Calypso.