What preamps outshine the Aesthetix Calypso?

Mcondon, have you done the requisite tube rolling in the Calypso to optimize its performance?

If you have not done this yet, then I strongly suggest you do so before selling it.

I have owned and sold the Calypso twice and I love it and miss it.

If you've already done the tube rolling, then proceed with caution and buy the new preamp before getting rid of the Calypso - just my recommendation.

There are many great preamps, but in the end it comes down to personal preferences and system matching. In my opinion, the preamp is an extremely important part for maximum system performance.

Mcondon, sounds like you have taken the right actions to move forward with a well thought out plan. I am with you on the 6H30 tubes, as I have not been impressed with my limited experience with them.

The Ref 3 is a very good preamp as mentioned, it should also be noted there is a Ref. 5 at a good price right now on eBay!!! Or at least it looks like a good price to me???

I too have heard good things about the EAR preamps, though I am not sure if they are always available in balanced mode (which is important to me at least).

Personally, I am always hesitant with BAT, not because I don't like their products (I have owned 2 amps and one preamp of theirs), it just seems like they don't hold very good resale value??? I looked at the 51SE which one seller offered to me at well under $3K. I went with a Sonic Frontiers Line 3 instead.

I'd be tempted to look at the EAR preamps and it sounds like your dealer has them to allow you to audition, that's a huge plus.

Batthatman, I had not heard about this, how very interesting.

I would imagine that thisyis going to be a very large and sizeable piece of equipment. The Calypso is well filled out, quite heavy and a solid piece of gear. I can't imagine trying to cram a CD transport mechanism and the digital components into a box the same size as the Calypso.

Do you know who's transport they are using? Same with the digital conversion technology and implementation?

I felt the Calypso had a great power supply, and knowing Jim, I have to imagine that this product will have separate power supplies for the digital side and the analog side. I wonder what, if any corners will be cut with regards to this and getting everything into a single box?