AESTHETIX CALYPSO

Pre owned. In excellent condition. No visible signs of wear. Supplied with remote control, manual and original packaging.

The Calypso is a fully tube-based line preamplifier designed for Hi-Fi and home cinema systems. Its circuit features a fully balanced and differential configuration from input to output, including internal balancing of signals from single-ended inputs. This architecture improves common-mode signal rejection and helps maintain a clean audio signal.

The volume control uses a discrete switched-resistor network with 88 steps of 1 dB each. This solution provides precise level adjustment while maintaining good signal resolution at any listening level. The amplification circuit and output stage are entirely tube-based and use a total of four tubes.

Each input is available in both balanced and single-ended formats, increasing compatibility with different source components. The preamplifier also features two pairs of XLR outputs and two pairs of RCA outputs per channel, providing various connection options for power amplifiers and other system components.

For integration into home cinema systems, the Calypso features a Home Theatre Bypass mode, allowing it to be incorporated into a multichannel system while maintaining the signal path from the AV processor. Absolute phase can be selected from the front panel or via the remote control, which also provides access to the main functions of the unit.

Technical specifications:

• Inputs: 5 line inputs, RCA or balanced XLR; 1 Tape input, RCA or XLR
• Outputs: 2 RCA single-ended and balanced XLR outputs; 1 RCA Tape output
• Line gain: 23 dB single-ended (SE), input/output; 29 dB balanced, output
• Volume control: switched resistor network with 88 steps of 1 dB
• Front panel controls: main input selection, Tape input selection, volume, balance, phase, mute, display and bypass
• Remote controls: main input selection, Tape input selection, volume, balance, phase, mute, display, bypass and standby
• Frequency response: ±0.25 dB, 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Signal-to-noise ratio: minimum 70 dB, A-weighted; referenced to 1 mV input and 75 dB gain setting
• Line input impedance: 40 kOhm single-ended; 80 kOhm balanced
• Maximum line input level: 3.5 V RMS single-ended; 7.0 V RMS balanced
• Output impedance: 1 kOhm single-ended; 600 Ohm balanced
• Recommended amplifier load: 10 kOhm or greater single-ended; 20 kOhm or greater balanced
• Tubes per channel, line section: V1 12AX7 or equivalent; V2 6922/6DJ8
• Power consumption: 20 W standby; 60 W active
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 454 × 111 × 457 mm, including connectors
• Weight: 18 kg