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BAT Vk-51 SE vs Aesthetix Calypso

Does the Calypso challenge the big BAT dynamically and in low end heft and extension ? Has anybody had the chance to compare these in the same system?
I expect the BAT is at another level but have heard raves about the Calypso by Michael Fremer and Robert Harley.
Opinions please! And thanks !
billandsol
tabl10s's avatar
tabl10s
1,084 posts
 
You may want to seek the signature version of the Calypso.
classical1
168 posts
 
BillandSol:
I forgot to mention that all of my listening with the 51SE was with 6H30-DR supertube. That was the standard tube in the preamp at that time.. As you probably know those are more scarce now.
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
I don't know much about the Calypso but I own a BAT VK50SE and later a VK51SE for 9 years. IMHO, the BAT sounds closer to a solid state than to a tube. Please beware of that when you make decision.
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pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,212 posts
 
Speaking with unabashed bias for the Calypso which I currently own... I have found tube rolling makes a huge difference in the performance of this preamp. My only experience with BAT preamps was with an entry level VK 30 and I was not impressed, so sold it and upgraded to a Joule Electra LA 150. However, I've heard nothing but good things about BAT's VK 50 series pre's, so my comparison to the VK 30 holds little relevance.
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