This is my first post and this thread was oh so timely as I have decided to move away from my beloved ARC LS-15 and go Aesthetix Calypso Eclipse to mate with my Rhea Eclipse. I had seriously considered a Ref 6SE but thought some system synergy would be provided with the Calypso. I know I have talked Glenn's ear off I'm sure. The Metis feedback was on point! I'll try to adjust profile data so my system and location is shared on posts unless it's on auto. I welcome all feedback on the Calypso vs Metis assuming that I won't lose sleep not staying with ARC
Welcome xagwell!
A funny thing happened (to me) on the way to musical ecstasy…
I have owned a Calypso and Rhea and loved them. Sent both five years later to be Signature updated and enjoyed the heck out of those improvements. Now my beloved Rhea has been Eclipsed (to spectacular results) and the Calypso has made room for a Metis. What a long great trip it’s been.
Well, it has been several months now, lots of good listening, and though I felt like this may have been a bit of an extravagance, because how much better could the musical performance actually get? I can confirm that the Aesthetix team has outdone themselves with this new reference design.
There are only four values, one elegant chassis, and no additional boxes as it has on board power supplies and yet it is perfectly clear to me that the Metis could very well outperform their previous three box Callisto! Of which I have listened to extensively in pre-eclipse levels.
It is so amazingly quiet and incredibly transparent. I truly don’t believe I could be more happy with this (kit) combination. With my OTL Atma-Sphere power amps the combined performance is otherworldly. Tonality and speed set a new standard for me and the soundstage is immense with this latest addition to the point that I am not searching anymore. This is it!
Backpackers very well written comments earlier in this thread I would have to echo here. He covered most of what my listening experience can confirm but I could not find adequate words to express.