How quite is the Aesthetix Calypso Vs Bat VK3i


Hi all,

Hope someone can provide some insights into how the Aesthetix unit compare with Bat. I have had the Bat close to 7 years and have paired it with a Plinius SA100MkIII. This combination worked so well that I have not found a combination that is significantly better.

The only reason I am looking at the Aesthetix is that it has two balanced outputs which could be used to biamp two Plinius amps in the future. Otherwise I am not really borthered by the performance of my Bat.

One thing I have noticed is that there are a lot of comments about how noisy this preamp is. I unfortunately can't audition the unit as I am buying used. The other thing that bothered me is that you can't actually contact the company or their distributor unless you go through a dealer. Where as I have been used to getting communication from Bat.

The dealer I contacted told me that if I believe whats on the net then I should not buy the unit. What's your experience with Aesthetix customer service?

I finally got the number of the distributor and will give him a call discuss. But just wanted to get some input from owners Stateside before I jump on this deal knowing that there is no warranty.

Thanks
jazzao1
I bought one new. Kept it two weeks and sent it back. It was noisey with the stock tubes. I'm sure you will get replys to roll in better tubes, but I didnt feel a new product should be as noisey as it was. Why not just use splitters if you want to run two amps and keep the BAT or move up in the BAT line if your happy with your system now?
Tom,

Was the unit the recent one with the alternative gain setting? Did they agree that it was noisy? Also wanted to know if there are splitter for balanced connections. I was aware of splitters for RCAs but not seen for balanced. That would be a great cheap solution for me as I am happy with my system.

Thanks
I bought mine new in early 2007. I returned it to Music Direct and they didnt ask me any questions, just refund my CC. yes there are XLR splitters.