Aesthetix Calypso vs ARC LS25 MK2

Thank you Gmorris
. Not too many specifics for the LS26 on the ARCDB site yet. There is confirmation that the design is derived and scaled down from Ref 3. There are only 2 6H30 dual triods: this probably means that the PS may be solid state. The display of the LS26 is smaller than the Ref 3 but otherwise functionally similar. Same two temporary contact rotary dials for volume and function selector. Six soft-buttons instead of the four found on Ref 3. If I recall correctly, LS26 is a fully balanced design running in class A with 0 feedback. The blurb suggest the sound/staging/imaging is closely related to Ref 3 but on a smaller scale. Price is $5995 or thereabouts.

recently picked a arc ls-25mk2.... and it is anything but booooorrrrriiinnnngggg (yawn)......

it is Extremely neutral, dynamic (hugh!!), and transparent. the 6h30 is a really neutral tube (you will love it or hate it) you can buy them at a fair cost vs nos 6922's...

as usual the unit benefits from a proper power cord, tube dampers, and isolation..

Have a gain stage (12ax7) tube (GE Longplate ca. 1963) getting a little noisy.
So ordered these...

12AX7 Mullard MATCHED PAIR New Old Stock in whiteboxes. Late 1960s vintage, Genuine Mullard "B" factory code (Blackburn) made in Great Britain, labeled for IEC Mullard and other brands of amplifiers. These have that sweet Mullard sound at a lower price! Very closely matched and selected pair of beauties!

and these...

E88CC / 6922 Amperex white PQ type, white label, HOLLAND made, gold pins. MATCHED PAIRS New Old Stock white Box. Fabulous original 1960s vintage white label HOLLAND made PQ type Amperex tubes. These are among the most difficult to find in the 6DJ8 NOS family. Ultra low noise, matched triode sections, heavily plated gold pins. Carefully matched to within 2 percent. Made and labeled for Mullard, last pair!

I don't have a lot of tube rolling experience, just what's mentioned above and just a smidge of 6922 rolling in ARC LS25 MK1. Also, I've never rolled the stock E-H 6922's in the Calypso. I feel I'm at a point in my audio lifecycle where I'm ready to experiment in the black art of "tube rolling."

Will report my findings in the coming weeks...

Hey all, I just got my Calypso (used on Audiongon) just last week. Hey Perfectionist, I also have the ARC LS25 mk1.
The Calypso WITH my Rhea is a better match then with my Ls25. I need more time to listen, however.
Also, I may have a slight noise problem with either a tube OR one of my ASL Hurricane power amps. I will also report back.

P.S. My Audiogon person I bought from has been very supportive.

Hey Folks...I'm new to Audiogon ( a couple of weeks). I must say, this is one of the best threads I've read on any forum (Bikes, cameras, golf...etc.) in a long time. It's been a blast to read and learn from your experiences. Thanks for sharing!