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Aesthetix Rhea and Calypso Tube rolling-what did you do?

Hey all!  been having a blast with the Calypso and Rhea here, both in signature versions.  Have a Stradivari v2 cart fronting that and looking to start rolling some new NOS tubes in both units.  Price really isn't 'too' much of a consideration.  I am happy to experiment and play around some here.  That being said, the list out there goes far and wide, and deep.  Looking to add a bit of warmth but keep the top end as airy as i can here.  The units are a bit dark and seem to roll off the top octaves just so slightly.  Bass isn't bad, not last word of slam and could be improved on probably as well, but far more concerned with midrange and top end dynamics

Would love to hear what the community has done with their units and how you got to your 'sweet spot'.  Thanks!
73cuttysupreme
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
1,368 posts
 
I think talking to Andy Bouwman at VTS or Kevin Deal at Upscale Audio would be the best way to go. Kevin has his fans and detractors. I think his detractors don’t like his style, although some say they have gotten bad tubes and a hassle returning them. I’ve never had a problem with him. Brent Jessee is a good dealer too. I think you’ll be happy working with any of them.

pdreher's suggestion sounds like it would work too.  Many people swear that Andy is the best.
jperry
1,408 posts
 
Andy at Vintage Tube Services is recommended by Aesthetix. When purchasing tubes for your Rhea you need to have matched very low noise tubes in the V1 and V2 spots.

I had a very good experience with Andy.
73cuttysupreme OP
7 posts
 
Gave Andy a call.  I already have Amperex 7308 green globes in the 6922 position in the Calypso, but pulling the stock Sovteks and going with a pair of 60's Amperex bugle boys.  Looking forward to the see what the change will be.  I'm certain for the better.  Once that's put to bed, might go same way with the Rhea signature as well, Amperex all the way through.  
73cuttysupreme OP
7 posts
 
There's a ton of great info and feedback on those Amperex 12ax7s.  Seemed like a 'safe bet' to start there.  I can see how this becomes an addiction real quick.  I thought I had a problem with Pinot Noirs, betchya that takes a back seat to tube rolling.
r_f_sayles's avatar
r_f_sayles
827 posts
 
Old thread but current thoughts... I have had the Calypso and Rhea Signatures for a long, long time, tried most every band/type and find a 5751 RCA triple mica black plate to be the weapon of choice in my pre, with Amperex 6DJ8s. I utilize an NOS quad of Telefunken smooth plate 12AX7s (Amperex Bugle Boys were also very nice, perhaps offering just a bit of music sparkle (NOT overly tipped up at all)) in the first gain stage of the Rhea for their clean, top to bottom linearity and lack of added colour, and RCA 7058s (per Glenn at Aesthetix) in the 2nd stage (RIAA). The 3rd has far less influence on tone. I found a date matched pair of Telefunken 6DJ8 medical grade that are dead quiet (between the music of course) for the final sockets. Sounds lovely and very revealing.
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