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Aesthetix Calypso or Pass Labs Preamp

I want to insert a 2 channel preamp in my multi channel system. I have narrowed down the list to Aesthetix Calypso (Signature?) and Pass Labs XP-10 (XP-20?). I was planning to keep this under $3,500 used which would disqualify the XP-20 and the signature, but if reports based on first hand usage convince me these more expensive units will trounce their cheaper brethren I may reconsider. My two channel source is a perfectwave DAC, and my poweramps are Jungson Class A JA-200 (not very well know, best compared with Pass Labs class A series).

Has anyone directly compared Pass and the Calypso?
Has anyone compared the XP-10 and XP-20?
Has anyone compared the Calypso and Calypso signature?

Which of the four options offers the best performance for the money?

I read all existing posts on the subject, so new insight is welcome.
edorr
zenieth
381 posts
 
I haven't compared the XP with the Calypso. However, I run the XP-10 with a Aesthetix Rhea and it's superb. I also run an X250.5 ..........
swanny76109
382 posts
 
I have directly compared the Calypso and the Pass XP10. No contest, the Pass blows the Calypso away==much quieter, far superior build quality and much deeper and controlled bass. I think time to time about upgrading to the XP 20 but hard to say if it's going to be worth it.
gandme
212 posts
 
I use a Aesthetix Calypso, Pass Xono phono, Pass Aleph 2 monos. I have had all the previous generation Pass Labs pre amps X-1, X-0.2 etc.but have not heard the XP line. I think the Calypso mates better with my system and room. I believe it's all about personal taste...try them both you can't go wrong with either line stage, I enjoy rolling tubes through my Calypso...that's what made the difference for me.
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