Aesthetic preamp

@elf1: I have the Calypso Signature and find it to be everything I need as far as the connectors go, (almost) as well as the sound.  It, as others do, it has a muting circuit, which puts it into standby mode as soon as it’s powered up.  The only thing it doesn’t have that I wish it did is xlr outputs for the tape monitor.  I’m using all balanced cables, except for the tape monitor, which I use for my subs. It’s very clean, dynamic with plenty of gain steps.  The balance control is very handy, as there are both LP’s and cds that I will occainsionally need to adjust slightly.  For a company called Aesthethix, the remote is a little cheesy looking.  As with any tube amp, the end sound, will be greatly influenced by the tubes you use.  It also has an illumination control, for dimming, or turning off the led read outs.  The top opens up for tube rolling, by simply lifting it up.  No tools required.  I’m pushing a couple of Krell monoblocks and the combination gives me all the slam I couled ever want.  Great midrange and highs too.  I’m very happy with mine.

@atmasphere :  That is correct. I find older LP’s or cds that were not produced well, need different amounts of sub volume. I have my two JL Fathom113’s connected to a separate preamp, so I can adjust the gain, if need be. I read a blog today, that recommended coming out of the main output, to get better sound. I haven’t tried that yet, but that may be too much going into the Sony I mentioned. It’s great having control of the subs gain using the Sony. 

@atmasphere  I may have not been specific about the subs. I keep the frequency roll off the same, I just adjust the gain.  I don’t have to adjust the volume that often, but can’t imagine not having complete control of the volume.  

@O_holter: I have yet to connect my calypso, using the main outputs for my subs. Just never think of it, until I’m listening, then too caught up in the moment and the drink. Coming out of my tape monitor, I use an adaptor from rca to xlr, then go into my Sony,( another adaptor) so I can have remote control over the bass. The Sony has a parametric eq, which helps me find the right level of bass. Im heavy between 60-200 hz, depending on the lp or cd. Some need an extra boost, where others need hardly any at all. Most of the time, when I turn my mains off and hear only the subs, they’re very subtle. I still like the control of adding bass, if I want it. I’m pushing two JL Fathom 113’s. Over kill for my room, but like the larger drivers.