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Aesthetix Calypso vs. ?

I have this on loan from my dealer, and am wondering what other preamps I should try within this price range.

I think the Calypso betters my BAT 3iX, without the 3iX's somewhat closed in on top and darkish midrange.

The 3iX does seem to win in the midbass, and I still very much like the its overal soundstage presentation. I'm wondering if I should try some tuberolling with the 3iX before I give up on it. I just have the standard Electro-Harmonix 6922s in it right now.

(I tried some Tung Sol 12AX7s I had in the closet in the Calypso. Lovelier midrange and deeper soundstage than the Sovteks, but too much hiss).
daverz
daverz OP
477 posts
 
Groan.

Seriously, which BAT do you have? I have to say that I still prefer the 3iX's big soundstage presentation. I may just stand pat.
mds's avatar
mds
119 posts
 
Daverz,

If you need the info on changing the jumpers to lower the gain, I have in in pdf and can email to you.

Good luck,
mds
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
Finding a balanced tube preamp is not all that hard. ARC has been making them since the mid-90s, and we have been making them since the late 1980s.
daverz OP
477 posts
 
@mds

Thanks, that would be very helpful!
daverz OP
477 posts
 
@Atmasphere, I don't want to limit myself to balanced gear, though. It's nice to hear those Neutrik connectors go "click!", though.

I just tried some EH 6922s in the Calypso. I didn't think Sovtek -> EH would make a big difference, but it seems to make a huge difference in terms of soundstage depth and spaciousness.
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