Forte Audio Threshold Model 3 or Odyssey Stratos

Elizabeth: Yep, that is another possibility. I hope I didn't waste $550.00, but then again I can always sell the one I like least. My thought was that the caps in my Forte are pretty old now, and the thing gets so hot I guessed maybe they were drying out. I also figured there has been some technological improvements in SS amps since '88, but we'll see. Any other opinions out there??

Elizabeth,
What are you running as a power amp with you new Audio Research Sp-15

Replace the caps with good ones like v-caps or Mundorf, or Rel Theta or RT Styrenes. I prefer the Forte 1A or model 4, in pure clss A. I tried the Odysssey and it is OK, but not tubes or Class A. Try the 1A or 4, and you might be surprised....

Talked to Klaus Bunge at Odyssey Audio today, and he seems to think the Stratos will be a noticible step up. Klaus is known for his honesty and frankness, so I'm looking forward to hooking it up. He offers a 120,000 uf cap upgrade that most folks think worthwile. I'll post an update once I make the comparison. Anyone else out there who has owned both?

Tvad: According to posts left by others, Klaus has actually told potential buyers that his products would not be an improvement in some instances. Given that he didn't stand to benefit from this sale, I give his opinion some creedence. My purpose in calling him was to ask about upgrades; the comparison question was an afterthought. Do you have any reason to disagree with his opinion?

Well, the verdict is in. I am shocked, but confident, to say the Odyssey is superior to the Forte (Threshold) in every way. 0ne caveat: It seems I was lucky, because when I received my Odyssey Stratos (whick I bought used online), I actually received the Odyssey Plus (or SE). Turns out the seller did not realize the amp was a factory upgrade model utilizing the 120,000 uf capacitance upgrade and higher quality caps. In any event, this amp is SWEET. No mid-range glare, tons of current, WIDE and DEEP soundstate, and very detailed on the micro nuances. I can't understand how Odyssey Audio can build these things at such a reasonable price. The internal wiring is all Benchmark, the solder points VERY well done, and all internal components high-end name brand pieces. Clearly equal to the McCormack DNA-1, Aragon 8008, every Treshold I've heard, and close to a good BAT amp. I'm impressed, and offer an unqualified and enthusiastic recommendation. Tvad, looks like sometimes the improbable is realized.