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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
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
828 posts
 
Agree verbatim with Dopogue's comments. My Calypso is superior to my previous preamps (BAT VK30 & Joule LA-150 MKII). However, good NOS tubes are required to make the Calypso sing... think Amperex white label 6922's & Mullard CV-4004 in the 12AX7 slots. I also use a Plinius amp (SA-102).
jazzao1 OP
4 posts
 
Pdreher, was the Calypso superior to the Bat even with stock tubes. I am already stretching my budget with the purchase and don't want to have to invest hundreds on NOS tubes to make it sound good in my system. Thanks
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
828 posts
 
I think you'd be wasting your money if you plan to use the Calypso with stock tubes. Suggest you look at alternatives / older preamps from Audio Research & Conrad Johnson, or the Joule preamps. I'm just not a fan of BAT gear, although my experiences have been with mostly their entry level models.
mds's avatar
mds
119 posts
 
Calypso is dead quiet with NOS tubes and gain reduced. Also was quiet prior to reducing gain.
jazzao1 OP
4 posts
 
Ellyjr, thanks for the heads up. I just contacted signal cables who made my balanced cable and they can make me the xlr splitter so will work out cheaper.
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