How quite is the Aesthetix Calypso Vs Bat VK3i


Hi all,

Hope someone can provide some insights into how the Aesthetix unit compare with Bat. I have had the Bat close to 7 years and have paired it with a Plinius SA100MkIII. This combination worked so well that I have not found a combination that is significantly better.

The only reason I am looking at the Aesthetix is that it has two balanced outputs which could be used to biamp two Plinius amps in the future. Otherwise I am not really borthered by the performance of my Bat.

One thing I have noticed is that there are a lot of comments about how noisy this preamp is. I unfortunately can't audition the unit as I am buying used. The other thing that bothered me is that you can't actually contact the company or their distributor unless you go through a dealer. Where as I have been used to getting communication from Bat.

The dealer I contacted told me that if I believe whats on the net then I should not buy the unit. What's your experience with Aesthetix customer service?

I finally got the number of the distributor and will give him a call discuss. But just wanted to get some input from owners Stateside before I jump on this deal knowing that there is no warranty.

Thanks
jazzao1
Tom,

Was the unit the recent one with the alternative gain setting? Did they agree that it was noisy? Also wanted to know if there are splitter for balanced connections. I was aware of splitters for RCAs but not seen for balanced. That would be a great cheap solution for me as I am happy with my system.

Thanks
I bought mine new in early 2007. I returned it to Music Direct and they didnt ask me any questions, just refund my CC. yes there are XLR splitters.
No noise problems with my Calypso. Jim and Glenn at Aesthetix have been quite responsive to my questions.
The problem I had with the Calypso was the lack of dynamics compared to other high end models. Some may not care if playing music other than rock, pop, fusion, jazz or classical.