Aesthetix Calypso vs ARC LS25 MK2

>>"Terminally vapid" Boring, dull, etc.<<

Characteristic of all ARC products.

Bingo TVAD, dull, boring and to my ears. . . overpriced. That's the LS-25 Mk. 2, not ARC's finest product by any stretch. I would not want to generalize, but LS-25 fits regretably the ARC stereotype declared above.
As stated under the AudioPerv moniker, I have not heard the Calypso, but all indications so far are that it is a great linestage, once the right NOS tubes are found.
As far as I know, no one has ever accused Calypso of being an inducer of somnolence. There are other great linestages of course, but. . .

Has anyone been able to compare the Calypson to the CAT Ultimate?

Let the ARC bashing begin!

Actually Tvad....... I couldn't disagree with you more. The MK2 uses 6h30's which are very fast sounding tube. Maybe you are thinking of a MK1? 6922's that are used in the MK1 are somewhat syrupy. 6h30's are fast, dynamic and very crisp and clean. Too much like a SS piece in my opinion. Plus the MK2's use JFET's in the input stage instead of tubes.... Perfectionist: If you are wanting a traditional tube sound, the MK2's may not be the one.