Tube replacement for the Calypso?


I am looking for suggestions to replace my tubes in my new Calypso. Also can you give me a source for the new tubes.
husk01

Showing 4 responses by bigtee

The Ayre K1x was my next choice in a preamp if I hadn't gotten the tube thing straightened out. I don't think you went wrong with it Msaines. It is truly an excellent preamp.
Try Kevin at Upscale Audio. He is a big tube dealer and carries the Calypso. He can make some informed suggestions deepending on the sound you're looking for. I personally have found the original tubes hard to beat overall.
I too went through three factory replaced pairs of Sovtek 12ax7's before I found a quiet pair. The 6dj8's in my unit sounded less stringent than the 6h23 Type III's (which I have several pairs of.) As you said, it is system dependent and in saying that, each person will have to find what suits them the best.
Each tube I tried bettered the original in one area but fell short in another. The GE's were too bright. I agree with the Telefunkin but find one that is good is the trick.
I have balanced my system out using the originals and have no complaints. You got to know that "Better" is in the ears of the beholder also. Just got to try and see.
I think they, like Audible Illusions, went through a bad batch of the Sovteks. It happens. They test well at first and then die.
Mine made crackle noises and some hiss. It was always one tube that went bad out of the set and always the 12ax7.
A manufacturer has to use tubes that would be readily available. Hence the problem.
Since I finally got a new set of good tubes, the preamp has been absolutely quiet and produces a lovely sound comparable to the best I have ever heard.
Aesthetix always promptly replaced them without me even sending the old one back. I now have a few good spares.