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Parasound JC2/ Aesthetix Calypso/Ayre K-5xe - Help

Hi, I'm in the process of building a 2-channel hi-fi system.

I'll probably get a pair of Vandersteen 2ce Signature II or Harbeth 7 ES or M30 and would like to get a high-quality pre-amp to go with it. I've the following pre-amp in mind and would like to hear from your experience with them. My budget is around $2-2.5K for used or new (any other options will be considered).

- Parasound JC2
- Aesthetix Calypso
- Ayre K-5xe
- Audio Research LS 17 or LS -26

I want to choose a higher end pre-amp with the plan to upgrade down the road (i.e. speakers, source, power, etc).

Not sure about the amps. May consider the Ayre V-5xe (with Ayre K-5xe) and Parasound JC 1 or A21 (with JC 2).

A general question. How do I match a pre-amp (i.e. Aesthetix Calypso) with a different brand amp (i.e. Parasound A21)? Any specifications to look at (i.e. input, output ohm, etc)?

Lastly, how does the Rogue Audio Cronus Integrated Amp compare with the above-mentioned pre-amp? I know the Rogue Audio is not in the same league as the others.

Thanks.
r0817
m_shumacher
8 posts
 
JC1. :)
lp_newbie
8 posts
 
I have the aesthetix calypso in my system (the signature edition). I enjoy it immensely with my jeff rowland amps and tannoy kensington speakers. It has just a little bit of the tube bloom while preserving overall speed and transients. However, like most tube gear, it does the macro dynamics well and is by no means the last word on micro dynamics. Just one caveat though - the stock tubes are terrible (both in my experience as well as what most people seem to say). I found them to be too noisy. The folks at aesthetix sent me a replacement pair but i thought those were bad as well. I finally swapped them out for NOS mullard tubes and have been very happy. I would still highly recommend the aesthetix calypso but one needs to be prepared to spend some additional money on better tubes.
programmergeek
322 posts
 
Well I have owned the 2ce sig and had both the AR on them and the Aesthetix. I liked the AR but the Aesthetix is a better piece at least in my opionion. The sound stage is better and there is more of the music comming through. I have also listened to the parasound and perferd the Aesthetix. That pre is a great pre.

Parasound JC2
- Aesthetix Calypso
- Ayre K-5xe
- Audio Research LS 17 or LS -26
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