Pedrillo, I want to understand, a used Aesthetix Calypso is about 22-2400 USD and the two 12ax7/ECC83s and two 6922/6dj8s at best might cost about 400 more with a little smart shopping. And the fact is with these signal tubes and this preamp, they may last your life time. This is an outstanding value IMHO. What is your price point?
I have had the Aesthetix Calypso and Rhea for nearly four years now and paired with Atma-Sphere amps, and I would do it again, in a heart beat. I could not recommend these components more highly. I cannot speak for you or your money and would not be so presumptuous, yet I look at these components and their relative value as long term investments in our musical enjoyment and if I had twice or three times their value in my hand right now, I would spend it the same way. My point is only that far too many audiophiles seem to think and act short term, I would only want to know that this will not be your plight.
I realize this doesn't answer your question as you ask for it, it's just a different point of view that appears to be along the lines of what your ears were telling you anyway. At any event, best wishes.
Happy Listening!
I have had the Aesthetix Calypso and Rhea for nearly four years now and paired with Atma-Sphere amps, and I would do it again, in a heart beat. I could not recommend these components more highly. I cannot speak for you or your money and would not be so presumptuous, yet I look at these components and their relative value as long term investments in our musical enjoyment and if I had twice or three times their value in my hand right now, I would spend it the same way. My point is only that far too many audiophiles seem to think and act short term, I would only want to know that this will not be your plight.
I realize this doesn't answer your question as you ask for it, it's just a different point of view that appears to be along the lines of what your ears were telling you anyway. At any event, best wishes.
Happy Listening!