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Aesthetix vs ARC

I have a general question for those familiar with the two companies listed above. I'm currently using an Aesthetix Calypso which I consider a top tier preamp. Recently I've been thinking about trying an ARC reference preamp. To be more specific a reference 5 or 5se. I expect the ARC 5SE to rate higher but i'm not sure how their sound signature compares to the Calypso. Please don't ask what is that I don't like about the Calypso or how much do I have to spend, etc. I just want to know the sonic signature of the Ref 5se compared to the Calypso. I do change equipment from time to time like everyone else.
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limniscate
241 posts
 
I think it’s unfair to compare the Ref5SE to the Calypso Signature because of the price difference ($13k v. $7k); a fairer comparison would be the Calypso Eclipse to the Ref5SE (~$10k v. $13k).

As far as customer service, Glenn at Aesthetix has always been responsive to my emails and phone calls.
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,589 posts
 

Actually, The correct comparison would be the Aesthetix Callisto Signature or Eclipse to the ARC Ref 5se, not the Calypso. Here’s a link to a comparison of the Calypso to the Callisto:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/review-aesthetix-callisto-signature-tube-preamp

The ARC uses the 6H30 tube. If you like that tube then ARC might be right for you. You can’t change it for anything else, though. The Callisto has a bunch of tubes that you can roll to tune the sound to your taste, maybe too many tubes for many people.

limniscate
241 posts
 
Wouldn't the Callisto be more comparable to the Ref10, since they're both dual chassis?  The REF5SE is single chassis just like the Calypso.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,637 posts
 
Agreed-

$13K vs. $7K is a bit unfair. Happy Listening!
sfall
346 posts
 
"I think it’s unfair to compare the Ref5SE to the Calypso Signature because of the price difference ($13k v. $7k); a fairer comparison would be the Calypso Eclipse to the Ref5SE (~$10k v. $13k)."

I don't see why that would be unfair. System matching is more important than price. In some systems, the ARC may outperform the Aesthetix, and in other cases, the opposite may be true. Of the 2 preamps, the Aesthetix will most likely match up with a wider range of components than the ARC. With ARC preamps, its hard to predict whay kind of sound you're going to get. They can sound amazing in your system, and be a train wreck in mine. Not only that, the build quality of the Caylipso is also much better.



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