Aesthetix Calypso - great tube rolling preamp. There are some great threads on this preamp here that suggest different tubes for different goals. I have owned this pre twice and in my recent acquisition of another new (to me) preamp, this once again was on my list.
I have copies of the Calypso threads via PDF if you want me to e-mail them to you, just contact me off this forum. If you are finding the Calypso too forward for you, this is easy to address. I would definately suggest taking this approach before going out and buying more preamps (assuming you still have the Calypso).
Cary or Bat could both also be options. But based on your avoidance of forward sounding, I would avoid any preamp with the "supertubes". In comparison, in my opinion, they are more forward and less "tubey" sounding. Also, they don't tube roll in the same sense as other tube varieties.
I have copies of the Calypso threads via PDF if you want me to e-mail them to you, just contact me off this forum. If you are finding the Calypso too forward for you, this is easy to address. I would definately suggest taking this approach before going out and buying more preamps (assuming you still have the Calypso).
Cary or Bat could both also be options. But based on your avoidance of forward sounding, I would avoid any preamp with the "supertubes". In comparison, in my opinion, they are more forward and less "tubey" sounding. Also, they don't tube roll in the same sense as other tube varieties.