2. amps-preamps
  3. 174592-53619

Anybody familiar with both Aesthetix and Audio Research?

Somebody is telling me that Aesthetix is comparable to Arc and I would be using my money more wisely going for a Calypso Signature than an Audio Research ref 6SE. But from reading it seems the Callisto is far superior to the Calypso.

I am already familiar with Arc gear which I like a lot but know little about Aesthetix.

I'll be matching it to a pass xa 25 and am looking for a deeper soundstage(one which goes way back) and more transparency with large orchestral forces.

Some poster was comparing the Calypso Signature to a ref 3 which would of course be a real step back to me.

Anybody know the two brands and have an opinion?

Thanks

 

roxy1927

Showing 2 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
6,473 posts
 

It sounds like the Calypso is a great preamp. I own a ARC REF 6SE, of which I can attest to being a world class preamp. Detailed, excellent imaging, midrange bloom, quiet, and great bass. I have owned ARC phono stages and preamps for a couple decades. The most amazing things happened as I added more ARC components… they are incredible synergistic and my system made a huge jump in sound quality each time. Now with all ARC components the sound exceeds what I thought possible. It has been a great 50 year journey.

 

You probably can’t go wrong with your choices here.

ghdprentice
6,473 posts
 

I have used a Audio Research REF 5SE preamp with Pass x350 amp for many years… wonderful combo, until I tried an Audio Research Amp… holy cow… that was so much better… more musical and natural. Now I have a ARC REF 6SE preamp and a REF 160s amp… actually at the moment I am auditioning REF 160m monoblocks. Overwhelmingly musical.

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