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
droleg's avatar
droleg
134 posts
 

I recently sold my Aesthetix Calypso signature  which i liked very much, especially for the money, and purchased  a ARC ref 6se  and am extremely pleased with the switch. Obviously a difference in price, but very glad i did it. But the Calypso was very good.

ghdprentice
6,431 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.

joey54
431 posts
 

I am an Aesthetix lover and currently own the Mimas Integrated amp. I owned the Aesthetix Calypso for many years with Quicksilver tube monoblocks and it was a great combination. When I switched to a Pass 250.5 the Calypso did not work well with it. After listening to many preamps I landed on an Audio Research Ref 3. It was a major improvement over the Calypso with the Pass amplifier. A Pass preamp was also really good with it but I slightly preferred the Ref 3 and got a great deal on it. YMMV. Good Luck.

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