Calypso/Sig Wanted

That's good to know as both of the amps I would use it with have Input Sensitivity of around 1v for full output and are more comfortable with lower gain. Do you know how much you can lower it?

From the Aesthtix website:
The Calypso / Janus is a high gain linestage. Audio systems with efficient speakers and / or sensitiveamplifiers may require less gain. One indication would be a low volume control range, i.e. 0-40 fornormal listening level. Another is excessive tube hiss from the Calypso / Janus (referring to thelinestage section of the Janus). If there is excessive tube hiss and the volume range is greater than40, likely the tubes are the problem and the vacuum tube troubleshooting guide should be consulted.If it is determined that a lower gain setting is desirable, the following procedure details a –12dB gainreduction. Reducing the gain by 12dB will also reduce tube hiss by 12dB.

The instructions are here:

http://www.aesthetix.net/docs/Aesthetix Janus Calypso Gain Jumper Instructions.pdf

See the support page at Aesthetix
 
When will you receive the Calypso Chris? Is it the Standard or Signature model?

FYI, today I popped the lid on my Calypso Signature just to check what gain setting was set by the factory (I've not played with the settings since its purchase). Mine is set on the low gain option which seems perfect for my almost 94db sensitive loudspeakers as I'm able to do my normal listening between the range of 35 and 65 on the linestage display.
 
Mike, I'm going to start off with the non-Sig. If it blows me away...I might start soliciting opinions, about the upgrade; or look into getting some cap work independently. Should be here, by next weekend; the question is...will I have any speakers by then? :afraid:
 
Say what? Please do elaborate!

Ha; well...the Aerial 6Ts have been packed-up for a while (and have now been sold). And I am without one of my PMC FACT 3s, because it was sent out for a project (I am actually building a "duplicate" pair, from an authentic set of cabinets I purchased...sans drivers, x-over, etc; and I sent the single FACT 3 to the guy building the cross-over for me, so he could voice the new build).

So right now...I have no speakers, for the Main room; just the KEF X-300s in my office, and Pioneer SP-BS22s in my bedroom :(

FACT 3 should be back soon...and KEF LS-50s right behind that. KEF Ref 1s, god only knows :|
 
Welcome...Calypso :)



Welcome back...FACTs! :D (just in time, to sell :|)



Soon...I will put an Auralic Vega on the shelf :audiophile:

 
If you decide to tube with NOS tubes I recommend you contact Andy at Vintage Tube Services. He is recommended by Aesthetix and is very helpful.
This good advice. I've seen more than one Calypso, Rhea and Janus damaged by crap "NOS" tubes. Buy only from reputable sellers.
I might start soliciting opinions, about the upgrade; or look into getting some cap work independently
The Sig is a significant upgrade. Don't just let any hack swap out caps. Not only will it not be the complete upgrade, but you will devalue your preamp and possibly ruin it.
 
The Sig is a significant upgrade. Don't just let any hack swap out caps. Not only will it not be the complete upgrade, but you will devalue your preamp and possibly ruin it.
I agree with you. I just had my Rhea upgraded to Signature and it was very significant. Blacker background, more space between singers and instruments, and more fine detail (without brightness)
 
Nice Chris! First impressions of the pairing with Pass and the PMC combo?

What tubes are currently installed?

p.s. dim the display on the Calypso or else you will go blind! LOL
 
Too soon to tell, on the sound. Not only has it only been here a day; but I've been without my system for a number of weeks. Need to let things settle in a bit, before critical listening (break-in for the ears ;)).

Initial impressions: when it's good, it's very good. Play something in it's wheelhouse, and there's great weight and tone...just like a good tube pre-amp should. Couple of times, I got kind of this "hollowed-out" presentation; very flat, and 2-D. So my initial thought, is it might be unforgiving of source; though my only one right now, is TIDAL through the Aurender. Might also need some tube tweaking.

I thought I had Mullard CV4004s around. Either I accidentally let them go, with a piece of gear...or (hopefully), they're in the pre-stage of my PrimaLuna tube IA. So last night...just to get things up and going; I started with GL new prod, in the 6922 slot...and Tung Sol in the 12ax7. Hey...you need to start somewhere, to establish a base right?

Thanks for thoughts on the Sig upgrade. I've heard mixed opinions. Some have said, BIG difference; others said, not so much. We'll see.
 
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