Decide between ARC Ref 6SE and Aesthetix Calypso Eclipse

Gregm,

Are you saying that both of you felt the Calypso trumped the 6SE in these areas? Any other comments based on your experience?  
Thanks

well…..first what a wonderful position to be in..those are two awesome and fantastic preamps to choose from. I am certainly no stranger to either including your downstream components - i run the 7 mk2 and RV’s 7 high pass amplifiers. The pairing of M5 and Kento is super nice. I also have an ARC ref5se and Jim Whites ( of Aesthetix fame ) Signature DAC… so I get an appreciate tge Aesthetix sonics and construction. Up to me, i would go ARC but we are splitting micro hairs here for sure…

i just helped a friend w M5, Quattro and he chose the Aesthetix pre ( used and upgraded to signature but not eclipse )

consider joining us on vandy site owners forum.

PM me if i can be of any insight or help

Jim

Also both the ARC and Aesthetix benefit from tubes and isolation. HRS preferred for both IMO and certainly that is the brand Aesthetix use in the DAC. I run a bad A nos 1960 Tung Sol usa 6550 in the Ref5se…. transformative 

Jim

https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/3803#&gid=1&pid=1

of course you know the purity and magic of the balsa and carbon fiber drivers and purpose built high pass amplifiers…

fun

They are both good choices but i would look for a pre 1997 arc preamp because it will outperform both of them and for a lot less money.