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Aesthetix Calypso vs. ?

I have this on loan from my dealer, and am wondering what other preamps I should try within this price range.

I think the Calypso betters my BAT 3iX, without the 3iX's somewhat closed in on top and darkish midrange.

The 3iX does seem to win in the midbass, and I still very much like the its overal soundstage presentation. I'm wondering if I should try some tuberolling with the 3iX before I give up on it. I just have the standard Electro-Harmonix 6922s in it right now.

(I tried some Tung Sol 12AX7s I had in the closet in the Calypso. Lovelier midrange and deeper soundstage than the Sovteks, but too much hiss).
daverz
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,191 posts
 
I've had a Calypso for about 3 years and it's been my favorite preamp by far vs. my previous preamps, which included the Joule LA-150 & BAT VK30. It responds big-time to tube rolling, but sounds only so-so with the stock Sovtek's. You HAVE TO tube roll with good NOS tubes to get the most out of this unit... but it's worth the effort and expense.

Disclosure: I've recently sold my Calypso, but only because I've gone to an all tubed integrated (McIntosh MA2275).
sarcher30
596 posts
 
Try 3 Herbies Iso cups with lampblack balls under the Calypso. Two in front and one in the rear. You will be amazed. They really focused the soundstage and improved the sound for the better in my system.

Also good NOS tubes are mandatory to get the best out of the Calypso.
daverz OP
487 posts
 
Is it possible to use 12aU7s in place of the 12ax7s, especially considering the huge gain the Calypso has? I have some Mullard CV4003s.
sarcher30
596 posts
 
No. Mullard CV4004's work well. I have tried some GE 5751's which are lower gain and quieter but prefered the CV4004's.

Not sure why your dealers unit does not have the gain jumpers. If you buy a new one it should have them and it lowers the gain by 12db's.

If you use low noise NOS tubes the Calypso sounds better in the high gain position IMO. Unless you use really efficient speakers like 100db plus.
daverz OP
487 posts
 
I think it's just a very old unit. If I go with the Calypso, I'll probably get new unit.
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