Aesthetic Calypso

**Tbadder** · February 16, 2016, 02:05 PM

Anyone heard of of these. I have no dealers close to me, and I'm in the market for a fully balanced pre. Thanks in advance for any help.

**nc42acc** · February 16, 2016, 06:25 PM

Where are you located? I have an Aesthetix dealer in my area I could send you his info. I have heard they are very nice preamps. I considered one before I landed a REF5SE. I am also in the fully balanced camp.

**MikeCh** · February 16, 2016, 06:44 PM

I really like my Aesthetix Calypso Signature preamp. It's got beautiful tone and dynamics with an accurate and wide sound stage. Extremely fun to listen to without any fatigue and the midrange can be as liquid as you like depending on tube choice. The choice between balanced and unbalanced for all inputs and outputs is an added bonus.

Currently mine has 1950's Swedish Military NOS 5751 Sylvania Triple Mica Black Plate & Russian 6H23P-EB / 6922's installed. A few months ago I picked up some ARC branded W. German ECC-88's from 1983 and will roll them in at some point. The ARC branded W. German ECC-88's were what I ran in my old ARC SP-11 for several years and they were fantastic in the SP-11. Hoping they perform similarly in the Calypso.

**nc42acc** · February 16, 2016, 06:50 PM

Those Russian 6H23 are amazing. I have them in several pieces of gear in place of the 6DJ8. Not terrible expensive either if you shop diligently.

Originally Posted by MikeCh

I really like my Aesthetix Calypso Signature preamp. It's got beautiful tone and dynamics with an accurate and wide sound stage. Extremely fun to listen to without any fatigue and the midrange can be as liquid as you like depending on tube choice. The choice between balanced and unbalanced for all inputs and outputs is an added bonus.

Currently mine has 1950's Swedish Military NOS 5751 Sylvania Triple Mica Black Plate & Russian 6H23P-EB / 6922's installed. A few months ago I picked up some ARC branded W. German ECC-88's from 1983 and will roll them in at some point. The ARC branded W. German ECC-88's were what I ran in my old ARC SP-11 for several years and they were fantastic in the SP-11. Hoping they perform similarly in the Calypso.

**MikeCh** · February 16, 2016, 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by nc42acc

Those Russian 6H23 are amazing. I have them in several pieces of gear in place of the 6DJ8. Not terrible expensive either if you shop diligently.

They really are Marty, I agree. Should be interesting to see how the ARC branded W. German ECC-88's compare

**nc42acc** · February 16, 2016, 07:11 PM

Mike please post a thread once you have a chance to try them. I have never heard of those.

Originally Posted by MikeCh

They really are Marty, I agree. Should be interesting to see how the ARC branded W. German ECC-88's compare

**MikeCh** · February 16, 2016, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by nc42acc

Mike please post a thread once you have a chance to try them. I have never heard of those.

Will do. I got them from a fellow on Agon that had/has NOS tube stock. Here's some of his pictures:

**Tbadder** · February 16, 2016, 08:32 PM

Everyone's got the Signature version. Of more humble means I'll have to go with the standard version. Thanks for the info though. Nobody's said a bad word so far, either here or pm-I got me.

Ive always believed a person should have a least one tube in their system. Right now that resides in my DAC, but that's gotta go in my ongoing switched to an all balanced system.

**Alpinist** · February 17, 2016, 01:21 AM

The Aesthetix Calypso is a very fine preamp at its price point. I've heard it many times teamed up with the Aesthetix Atlas monoblocks and the combo punches way beyond its price. However, in the last year or two, my dealer started using more expensive ARC preamps with the Atlas monoblocks and has achieved better sound. First with the Ref 5SE and now with the Ref 6. But please keep in mind, these preamps cost a LOT more than the Calypso.

Best,
Ken

**MikeCh** · February 17, 2016, 01:25 AM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

The Aesthetix Calypso is a very fine preamp at its price point. I've heard it many times teamed up with the Aesthetix Atlas monoblocks and the combo punches way beyond its price. However, in the last year or two, my dealer started using more expensive ARC preamps with the Atlas monoblocks and has achieved better sound. First with the Ref 5SE and now with the Ref 6. But please keep in mind, these preamps cost a LOT more than the Calypso.

Best,
Ken

I WANT Atlas Mono amps!!!

**Alpinist** · February 17, 2016, 01:34 AM

Originally Posted by MikeCh

I WANT Atlas Mono amps!!!

Mike,

They are some of my favorite monoblocks regardless of price. Just the right amount of warmth with their tube gain stage combined with the balls of solid state in their output stage.

Ken

**Randy Myers** · February 17, 2016, 06:57 PM

The Aesthetix Calypso looks very nice. The only thing that I think would drive me crazy is that I like having a nice Volume knob on my pre-amp.

**jadedavid** · February 17, 2016, 11:28 PM

I had a Calypso. I was satisfied with it for a while, until a friend came over and asked me if the noise it produced bothered me. I was puzzled and asked what he meant? He said that he had one and tried swapping tubes, power conditioners ETC but could never get rid of the, shall we say, background noise. I had not really noticed it myself. He then offered to bring over his preamp to demonstrate what he was referring to. His pre at that time was an Audio Horizons. After hooking it up in my system and firing it up, it was VERY apparent after the first several notes what he was talking about. In audiophile jargon, a black silent background with great clarity. Until you hear the difference in you're own system you will not know what I am referring to. I ended up buying his pre when he upgraded to an Alnic. The Alnic is superior in this manner also. Don't be fooled by the magazine hype. When is the last time that you read a bad review? If you have an opportunity to hear the Calypso side by side with either of the pre's mentioned or some of the other more notable pre's (Cary 05, The Dude, Music First ETC) you will understand. Audition if you can and trust your ears. Good luck. Dave

**joeinid** · February 17, 2016, 11:31 PM

Welcome to the forum Dave! Thank you for joining.

**Randy Myers** · February 18, 2016, 01:15 AM

I know the warmth and richness of tubes and back in the day I had a few difference tube pieces. At this time I do have a preference for SS mainly because of the background. With high level digital recordings you get pure "black". But more important is I got to have my big volume knob! I will stack the volume section in the Wyred 4 Sound pre-amp (STP-SE) against most any pre-amp out there....

**jadedavid** · February 18, 2016, 01:44 PM

I'm glad that you are happy with your Wyred with the BIG knob. It's rare that in this hobby we are ever satisfied with a piece of gear. Not ever hearing the Wyred gear I can't comment on it's performance but I know it has a good reputation. I like the warmth and ambiance field that tubes produce. I have a VERY VERY large collection of tubes that I can roll through the equipment in my search for a well balanced (to my ear) sound. If it is clean and clear that you are looking for I have found the AUM Acoustics/Tortuga Audio LDR Pre to be the best I have heard in those parameters. However it is too sterile for my taste.
In this thread, I personally feel that there are several tube preamps that are far superior to the Calypso for the same dollar value. Tubes can be very quiet, and clean. A lot has to do with the equipment implementation.

**Randy Myers** · February 18, 2016, 02:15 PM

I love hearing people's impressions on various gear. Even though I know the chances a slim in being able to actually hear, let alone own most of the equipment discussed. I do really like quite, "black" if you will, backgrounds and open spacious sound stage.

**Tbadder** · February 18, 2016, 06:19 PM

I know what David is saying I had an amp I really loved, mainly because it was really ballsy, and in those days I rocked out. Well after a while I noticed a slight, thin haze. Eventually it bothered the crap outta me even though once the needle hit....Well, now I'm blacker than black and loving it. That background offers lots of detail but also lots of peace of mind.

**jadedavid** · February 18, 2016, 11:07 PM

Have you found a preamp that you like or are you still looking? If looking, perhaps you could add some detail about your requirements. I.E. Price range, music type, associated equipment, tubes or S.S. ETC.

**MikeCh** · February 18, 2016, 11:24 PM

Originally Posted by jadedavid

Have you found a preamp that you like or are you still looking? If looking, perhaps you could add some detail about your requirements. I.E. Price range, music type, associated equipment, tubes or S.S. ETC.

Please do the same David RE: detail, wondering what context you had the Calypso within that it performed so poorly?

p.s. Regular or Signature Calypso?

**jadedavid** · February 18, 2016, 11:52 PM

I listen mostly to Blues and Jazz. The amps used with the Calypso (regular model not Sig) were first a Bryston 4Bst then a pair of Clayton M70's followed by a pair of Audio Mirror SET's along with a DIY 6V6. Speakers at that time were either Reference 3a deCappo's or Nola Contenders. The associated equipment was irrelevant. Once the trait was identified it was easily discernible. It's like when you buy a new car and now all of a sudden you see the same model everywhere. Whereas before you didn't notice them. It's not that it's a bad preamp, it's just that for the price you can do much better. IMO.

**MikeCh** · February 19, 2016, 10:58 AM

Thanks for the reply. I guess it just goes to show that we all have different tastes.

I find that the Calypso performs very well in my setup and I don't have plans to replace it anytime soon.

**jadedavid** · February 19, 2016, 01:36 PM

That's great that you are satisfied Mike. I too was satisfied until my friend came by and poked the pig. Darn friends.
Have you rolled the tubes in it? The combo that I liked best was a pair of Mullard 2492's and a pair of Raytheon 5751 windmill getters.
That combo produced a bold presentation with a sweet treble and a luscious midrange. I tried both the hi and low gain settings with the dip switches and found the hi gain was best with that tube combo.

**MikeCh** · February 19, 2016, 03:18 PM

Originally Posted by jadedavid

That's great that you are satisfied Mike. I too was satisfied until my friend came by and poked the pig. Darn friends.
Have you rolled the tubes in it? The combo that I liked best was a pair of Mullard 2492's and a pair of Raytheon 5751 windmill getters.
That combo produced a bold presentation with a sweet treble and a luscious midrange. I tried both the hi and low gain settings with the dip switches and found the hi gain was best with that tube combo.

Yes, I've rolled different tubes.

From an earlier post in this thread:

Currently mine has 1950's Swedish Military NOS 5751 Sylvania Triple Mica Black Plate & Russian 6H23P-EB / 6922's installed. A few months ago I picked up some ARC branded W. German ECC-88's from 1983 and will roll them in at some point. The ARC branded W. German ECC-88's were what I ran in my old ARC SP-11 for several years and they were fantastic in the SP-11. Hoping they perform similarly in the Calypso.

**jadedavid** · February 19, 2016, 10:31 PM

DUH. Sorry mybad. I missed that. Lots of variations in the Russian 6h23 family. But some good ones. Synergy is the name of the game. It's fun trying the different combo's. I like what Dick Olsher has to say. "A day without music is like a black and white sunset".

**MikeCh** · February 20, 2016, 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by jadedavid

DUH. Sorry mybad. I missed that. Lots of variations in the Russian 6h23 family. But some good ones. Synergy is the name of the game. It's fun trying the different combo's. I like what Dick Olsher has to say. "A day without music is like a black and white sunset".

These are they (I paid for their matching service): http://www.thetubestore.com/Tubes/69.../6H23n-EB-6922 Not sure what "brand" they are but they're quite nice.

Completely agree with Dick Olsher's comment!

**nc42acc** · February 20, 2016, 08:36 PM

Mike I have the same, great sounding tubes.

Originally Posted by MikeCh

These are they (I paid for their matching service): http://www.thetubestore.com/Tubes/69.../6H23n-EB-6922 Not sure what "brand" they are but they're quite nice.

Completely agree with Dick Olsher's comment!

**Tbadder** · March 7, 2016, 10:52 PM

I posted this elsewhere, but I did make my choice: Allnic L3000 MkII. It'll arrive soon. I can't wait.

thanks for all your ideas.. When it came down to it, it was a smokin' deal I couldn't turn down.

**MikeCh** · March 8, 2016, 12:41 AM

Congrats Tbadder. I'm sure the Allnic will be a joy to own.

**Paul** · March 8, 2016, 01:17 AM

Allnic is very nice brand. It's too bad they don't have a strong distributor for NA like some other brands we see . Enjoy it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**jadedavid** · March 8, 2016, 08:55 AM

Congrats on the great score. The Allnic is a MUCH MUCH better choice than the Calypso. I have personal experience with both of them and would be greatly surprised if you don't love the Allnic. If not, email me with a screaming deal and I'll take it off your hands. LOL.
Enjoy

**jadedavid** · March 16, 2016, 08:45 PM

Well Tbadder, have you received your Allnic? Please post your impression.

**jperry** · June 1, 2016, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by jadedavid

I listen mostly to Blues and Jazz. The amps used with the Calypso (regular model not Sig) were first a Bryston 4Bst then a pair of Clayton M70's followed by a pair of Audio Mirror SET's along with a DIY 6V6. Speakers at that time were either Reference 3a deCappo's or Nola Contenders. The associated equipment was irrelevant. Once the trait was identified it was easily discernible. It's like when you buy a new car and now all of a sudden you see the same model everywhere. Whereas before you didn't notice them. It's not that it's a bad preamp, it's just that for the price you can do much better. IMO.

Just curious as to whether you were using balanced interconnects between the amp and preamp or single ended. Thanks.

**jadedavid** · June 1, 2016, 12:59 PM

I tried a multitude of cables both single ended and balanced both between the source and the amps. I take it that you have a Calypso.
It's not a bad preamp but when you hear something better you just cannot go back.
A similar experience just happened when I switched out my Eastern Electric Mini Mac Plus DAC with a Lampizator DAC. I thought that the Eastern Electric was a decent DAC. However after the first few notes from the Lampizator it was VERY obvious that it is in a completely different league.
The bottom line is that if YOU enjoy what you have then that is all that counts.
Some of us are forever chasing the rabbit down the rabbit hole while others are simply enjoying.

**jperry** · June 1, 2016, 01:11 PM

Thanks for the prompt response. I was using my Calypso Signature single ended and unhappy with the noise floor. After switching to balanced cables and RCA NOS tubes I am completely happy with the noise level, but of course always wanting something better. I plan to demo an Audio Research Ref 6 later this year.

**jadedavid** · June 1, 2016, 01:14 PM

I have not personally heard the Ref 6 but it's reputation is stellar. Enjoy the journey.

**Itsnotluck** · June 18, 2016, 04:08 PM

This is how my pre amp journey went, Aesthetic Calypso stock then upgraded to SIG was beaten by a Pass Labs XP20 which was killed by a Zest Leto..Proper tube rolling is everything for tubed preamps.It was a bit of a shocker when I decided to go for the SS Pass over the Calypso.At the time I was tired of trying to make the Calypso quiet (with NOS tubes) when using a phono stage.Of course noise issues typically aren't noticeable when running digital front ends...

**joeinid** · June 19, 2016, 01:38 PM

Welcome to the forum Itsnotluck, thank you for joining.

**limniscate** · August 7, 2016, 10:10 PM

I just got a Calypso Signature and so far am not that impressed with it. I "upgraded" from an Odyssey Candela with PSVane 12au7 tubes. I'm using a Sanders Magtech with Magnepan 3.7i's. When I went to the Magtech from Odyssey Kismet monos, the difference was very noticeable--not so much when switching preamps and the Aesthetix is 4.6x more at retail than the Odyssey Candela.

**joeinid** · August 7, 2016, 10:45 PM

Welcome to the forum limniscate, thank you for joining.

**jadedavid** · August 7, 2016, 10:59 PM

Welcome Limniscate. The good news is that the Calypso gets lots of good press and therefore it's resale value remains high. This gives you the opportunity move on to a more substantial pre for about the same money.
But even with some of the better preamps, system synergy is key. When the time to swap arises ask for advice from some of the pro's here that are familiar with your particular equipment. It may save you some grief.
Dave

**limniscate** · August 7, 2016, 11:32 PM

Originally Posted by jadedavid

Welcome Limniscate. The good news is that the Calypso gets lots of good press and therefore it's resale value remains high. This gives you the opportunity move on to a more substantial pre for about the same money.
But even with some of the better preamps, system synergy is key. When the time to swap arises ask for advice from some of the pro's here that are familiar with your particular equipment. It may save you some grief.
Dave

Thanks! I'm probably going to try tube rolling a little bit. I haven't tried any NOS yet but am thinking about trying some Reflektor '74 6922 that were highly reviewed over at Head-Fi.

**jadedavid** · August 8, 2016, 03:41 PM

Yes, the Reflektor's are nice. Bold and clean presentation. I tried so many different types in my Calypso that I thought I might wear the sockets out.
If you have not checked it out before a good basic primer on small signal tubes can be found by searching for "Joe's Tube Lore".
While your results may vary from his findings, it is a decent report on many various "flavors" of tubes.
Above all, have fun with it. That's what it's all about.

**limniscate** · August 8, 2016, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by jadedavid

Yes, the Reflektor's are nice. Bold and clean presentation. I tried so many different types in my Calypso that I thought I might wear the sockets out.
If you have not checked it out before a good basic primer on small signal tubes can be found by searching for "Joe's Tube Lore".
While your results may vary from his findings, it is a decent report on many various "flavors" of tubes.
Above all, have fun with it. That's what it's all about.

What'd you end up settling on for your tubes?

**jadedavid** · August 8, 2016, 04:08 PM

The last ones that I used before getting rid of it were A pair of Amperex white label PQ 6922's and a pair of Mullard 2492's.

**limniscate** · December 2, 2016, 03:02 AM

I just pulled the trigger on an Audio Research Ref5SE and am eager to compare to my Calypso Signature.

**jadedavid** · December 2, 2016, 08:58 AM

Very cool, congrats. Interested in hearing your opinion on the difference between the two. Please keep us posted.

Thread: Aesthetic Calypso

Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Re: Aesthetic Calypso

Posting Permissions