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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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tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,588 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
19,604 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.



tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,588 posts
 

The Aesthetix Callisto Signature retails for $13,000 including a $2,000 remote control. $11,000 without remote.

The ARC Ref 6 retails for $14,000.

The ARC Ref 10 retails for $30,000.

Ultimately, what’s important is the sound, as sfall states. However, the sound quality we get is usually limited by the amount of money we can afford to spend. I know that a cheaper system can sound better than a more expensive one, but if one carefully puts his system together, the more expensive one should sound better. I know that my system’s sound has improved as I have bought more expensive components.

How many boxes the component consists of is usually not a big factor in what we buy.

So I think that most people shopping for a preamp would compare the Callisto to the Ref 6 and feel that the Ref 10 is out of their price range. However, if $16,000 is chump change to you, you might compare the Callisto to the Ref 10.

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