Aesthetic preamp


I am looking into changing my preamp from AR SP6 B to Aesthetic Calypso . Love the AR but I want balanced inputs/ outs.
Any opinions on the Calypso? 
Thanks 
Elf1
elf1

Showing 1 response by almarg

I want balanced inputs/ outs.

I noticed in your other recent thread that you are using a Bryston 4BST amplifier. That amp has a much lower input impedance on its balanced inputs (about 20K, i.e. 10K per leg) than on its unbalanced inputs (about 50K).

According to Stereophile’s measurements of the Aesthetix Calypso:

The balanced output impedance was 112 ohms at 1kHz and above, this increasing to 3900 ohms at 20Hz due to the finite physical size of the output coupling capacitors.

That would not be an optimal match for the balanced inputs of your amp. On the other hand, using the unbalanced outputs of either your present preamp or the Calypso is fine from an impedance compatibility standpoint.

Good luck. Regards,
-- Al