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 1 response by tomic601

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,866 posts
 

Extensive experience w both storied firms with well deserved reputation for excellent engineering, sonics, support and typically some level of upgrade path without scrapping / selling the whole box. As others have stated, they each have strength, in image depth and air, i would give nod to ARC, bass drive, nuance to Aesthetix. In my system the ARC Ref5se is also quieter and more detailed. I do have an Aesthetix Pandora Sig feeding the ARC. At the level you are at tube rolling and isolation will both improve image depth, I use HRS, but there are other brands that yield similar results. Best wishes in your journey.

Jim

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