For what it’s worth, we are currently conducting a pre-amp shootout between 1) McIntosh C2700 [tube], 2) VTL 6.5 Series [hybrid tube/ solid state] 3) Audio Research Ref 6SE [tube], 4) Pass Labs XP-32 [solid state], and 5) NO Pre-Amp: Linn Selekt DSM [Katalyst. DAC] direct to amp.
Have never heard the Calypso .
The Pass Labs XP-32 is still in its break-in period, so my view here is premature.
We have Wilson Alexia Series 2 speakers with Pass Labs X600.8 monos (solid state). So we lean toward a tube preamp to balance out our solid state amps.
Quite frankly, TUBE preempts are a best fit with solid State amps. And this test affirms that. The Audio Research Ref 6SE is clearly the superior performer--even over the NO PREAMP option.
So take into account whether your amp is side state or tube when deciding on a preamp.
We (my wife and I) find the solid state XP-32, while quite good, a bit sharp and perhaps fatiguing on the high frequencies. It does nothing exceptional, while everything is good. Again, the XP-32 is still breaking in, but its solid State pedigree does nothing to soften the solid State edginess of our amps. And note that the XP-32 is by the same manufacturer of our monos: Pass Labs. So "manufacturer synergy" is not enough here to overtake the Audio Research Ref 6SE.
The McIntosh is not in the same league as the other pre-amps, being a middle ground on all things and not able to make our amo/speakers really shine. It sounds a bit like there's a pillow in front of the mid and tweeter speakers. But it does coat HALF of the other units.
VTL was the most serious challenge to the Ref 6SE, but it lacks the presence and musicality (dynamics) of the mighty Ref 6SE.
Direct to amp is shrill and lacks a solid mid-range FOR US and OUR equipment.
The Audio Research Ref 6SE sounded like the live musicians were in the room on many recordings, such as the Eva Cassidy’s ’Songbird" and Ben Platt’s "Sing To Me Instead" albums.
No preamp is perfect, to be sure. But there is a 3D reality to the sound of the Ref 6SE, a WEIGHT to the tonality that places many of the performers in the room. To pull off the ’in the room" experience, the sound must also achieve that naturalness of what each instrument and human voice actually sounds like, as well as a soundstage that places each singer and instrument in a 3D geographic location unique to each.
I know I am sounding like a commercial for the Ref 6SE, and I do NOT want to oversell it. But I find it hard to believe that anything under $20K is going to beat the Ref 6SE for OUR system.
But what is right for YOUR system may be quite different.
Just sharing my experience, that’s all.
