Long shot: has anyone heard an Aesthetix Calypso?

[Diapason]

I've been reading a bit about the Aesthetix Calypso. Rave reviews all over, Stereophile Class A, Absolute Sound awards, etc. but since I no longer trust reviews at all I'm wondering if anyone here has heard one. It certainly ticks a lot of my mental boxes...

[tony]

Was going to get one of them a while back to run with my cyrus amp but didnt think it cut the mustard. Had a look at your wigwam thread and the guys with those pre amps seem to have the best of gear. emmlabs for example. It would seem to be in your price range and looks a bargain and possibly a bit more to be moved off it. Hard to see how you will get much better the only issue you have is not hearing it but sure flights to the uk are €50-70 so a day trip might cost you €100 just to ensure you make the right decision.

[Diapason]

Yep, I'm quite tempted (although the Graaf pre would still be my first choice). I'm quite concerned about reports all over the web of them being very noisy, though. Many many people recommending valve replacement as a matter of course, and I'm not sure I want to get into that shenanigans.

[tony]

Janey Simon there is a bloke called Steve in for your aesthetix preamp?

[Diapason]

Who is that masked man?

[tony]

I see they have a puresound L300 available now in purite north. Maybe that is a better option?

[Diapason]

Actually, I'm back to pre-Calypso plan A now. I should know for definite within the next 24 hours...

[tony]

I think you know i was jesting re L300.It is a beast. It would seem the calypso is fairly special.Hard to see it being poor when you look at the build quality.Hope it works out for you

[Diapason]

No sorry, I should have been a bit clearer: I've sourced a Graaf, meant to be a minter, revalved 6 months ago, dealer in the UK just needs to plug it in and make sure it's all working as expected before we complete the deal.

Meanwhile, Steve's head may have been turned by the Calypso...

[Steve]

Yep, would be interested in the Calypso now that Diapason's direction has been secured (great coup that one, absolutely can't wait to hear the Graaf combo!!!).
Still a little preturbed about all the discussion about tube rolling being a necessity....