2. amps-preamps
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BAT VK-200 or Odyssey Stratos for Magiess 1.6s?

I have narrowed my choices to these two. VK-200 is a bit higher price (used) compared to Stratos new with cap upgrade.
Both have rave reviews. (my ideal choice would be BAT VK-60, but can't afford it yet.)

Set warrantee issue aside. What would be a better choice for my system, in term of sound quality?

My system are
Maggies 1.6 (upgraded cross over) with Julian Zu cables (bi-wiring)
AES AE-3 (tube rectifier) pre-amp (used with Oxyfuel Zu Cables)
Cal Ikon 2 CD player (to be upgraded to Cary 308 soon).

I usually listen to a lot of female vocal, plus some Jazz, Classical, and general (anything, but heavy metal and rap)

I don't have a sepecific room size yet as I will get a house next year and hopefully the listening room size would be standard size. For now I will use it temporarily in 13'x17' room. I do not listen to very loud music.

I would love to see alternatives as well.

Thanks a lot

Ake
ake
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
OOPS I thought you were asking for alternatives too, I need more sleep
ake OP
48 posts
 
Yes, I would love to hear alternatives as well, especially tube amp (1.5K range) that can drive Maggies.

Thanks a lot

Ake
xmore
15 posts
 
Hi Ake,

This is one of the few threads in which I actually have something useful to say. I have owned both the VK-200 and the Odyssey Stratos. The rest of the system included a Rogue 99 pre amp, Cary 303 CDP, and Dynaudio 1.3 Mk II (like the maggies, the dynos like power).

First, I would like to say that they are both fine amps, but I would give the nod to the BAT. When I went from the Stratos to the VK-200, I found the BAT more refined overall. The sound of the amp was warmer, the bass went deeper, and it was much less harsh in the upper frequencies (I noticed this most on poor recordings). The BAT sound was perfect for me since my system was in a large family room with large windows and hardwood floors (on the bright side).

For the record, I no longer have either amp. I have downsized my system and I am holding down the fort with a vintage Luxman receiver. If I was short on cash, I would buy the Stratos, but if I could swing it, I would easily buy the BAT over the Stratos. I think the performance is definitely worth the price difference. If you are patient, you can get a good price on a used VK-200.
kjweisner's avatar
kjweisner
293 posts
 
For what it's worth, I am running a BAT vk200 into my 1.6s, and have never felt that I wanted to experiment with anything else. For me, this combination let's me forget about equipment and just enjoy the music with worrying that there's something 'more' out there. Good luck.
wccoe
75 posts
 
If you can afford $1800.00, the Odyssey Stratos Dual-Mono (2 monoblocks in 1 chassis)is the way to go. This high current amp will make those Maggies sing like they never have before.
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