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Aesthetix Calypso owners - need your help

I just bought a Calypso used. Pretty excited about it, but I need some guidance:
1. anyone knows the difference between low and high gain aside from low high volume? I got it with the setting at low, and tube noise is pretty low but sounds reserved so far. Changed it to high setting the next day, and now its sounding much more alive. But alas, I can hear tube rush from my seat. is this a common problem?

2. Anyone knows if the HT by pass bypasses the tubes? I am combining with my processor for movies but don't want to waste tube hours

3. I've been reading alot of threads about calypso, and tube roll was mentioned alot. I'm pretty much out of budget but willing to invest 100-200 bucks on NOS tubes if it brings alot of improvement. anything good at this price? the ones that I got are Sovtek for 6922 and Teslov for 12AX7. I also got another set of tubes which I haven't tried yet

lastly, anyone know Aesthetix service phone number?

look forward to your comments.. thanks!
dizzyizzid
samhar
1,048 posts
 
Those are the tubes but you are looking at the"Bought the Gear here" price, if you didn't they're $100 each, gold might be good for preamp output circuit.
I think the "prime" year is '81, but '85 beats nothing!!! The best 6922 I found "in my system" with the CV-4004 was the Amperex Holland 7308 very detailed with a fuller mid than the US 7308.
mhz
3 posts
 
Regarding whether to choose the high or low setting on the circuit this will depend on your system. If your volume display on the calypso is low (less than 30 or 40)to get the playback dB levels in your room you would be best to try switching to the lower gain setting. This will also reduce tube noise as you noticed.

Go slow on tuning the preamp with your system. As mentioned above the 12ax7 tube has the most effect of the sound and by rolling this tube you can really tailor the sound to fit your mood. Two experienced dealers for this unit are Andy at Vintage Tubes for old stock selections and Jim McShane for the wide selection of current tube offerings. Both can help you get the Calypso to sing.
dizzyizzid OP
23 posts
 
Thanks alot for the info. I've been doing some reading on tube roles for this pre-amp. The only info that is consistent is that 10M gold pin is the way to go - but the price!!! also, I have no idea where to find them.

Anyway, Any other info you have I would greatly appreciate it.

Mhz - the volume control is generally between mid 30s to high 40 depending on source CD. not a slam dunk info to decide what setting to use, but I will keep on listening both ways for some time before deciding. Quick question for you: do you know Jim McShane contact #? thanks! Dion
dizzyizzid OP
23 posts
 
nevermind - I found it on Google.
mhz
3 posts
 
Dizzy-

The best tubes for your Calypso will depend on your system and your ears. So its a very personal choice. The experienced tube dealers mentioned will work with you to achieve the sound you prefer from the Calypso.

I have several pairs of tubes for the Calypso which I selected to allow me to tune the system given my mood on any given day. Some sets provide a bright, sunny day presentation others more of a vibrant cappaccino. Perhaps you want to add some dark chocolate? This ability to tailor the sound is just one of the major pluses of a responsive tube preamp like the Calypso. I suspect you will really enjoy owning this fabulous preamp and hope I've helped.
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