Please help me chose a tube preamp


I have an opportunity to buy an  Aesthetix Calypso Line Stage amp, I need to know what you all think of it, please.
I do not want to buy something based on reviews of high end audio publications, for I do not want to make the same mistake when I bought Totem model one, Triangle Titus, Audio Research LS3B. All  of these  were a major disappointment for me. 

There is a VTL TL 2.5 available as well, for less then half the price tag of Aesthetix.
I have a Levinson 431 power amp that  will be paired with the selected preamp.

Anyone have any experiences with this Aesthetix and VTL?

Cheers
 
audiomaster
I use the Dehavilland Ultraverve 3 remote pre and am very happy with it. It has a very big sound and is extremely quiet. I have owned several tube pres and I have never owned one that is quiet until I bought the dehavilland. 
You can get a new one built for $2500 or used for around $1800 or so. I see there is one listed on Audiogon now. 
NO It’s not mine. Mines not for sale !!!

Good Luck

GIRI, WHAT PREAMP DID YOU REPLACE WITH THE SLP-05

I ALSO JUST ORDER  THE SLP-05 WITH UPGRADE (ultimate)

I had a arc ls27 hope i did the right change

I had YBA 1 delta, which had “tubey” sound but more uniform response through the frequencies. Cary is a magnitude better in all respects. I paid about $6000 for YBA about 12 years ago, so, not a cheap unit.
you will be amazed sound of Cary but make sure you put 100 hours on it before form an opinion. I am sure you will like Cary better than ARC, which I found in past not to my liking. Good listening!