2. amps-preamps
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Classe 201 -vs- Odyssey Stratos

OK, after all the positive feedback on the Stratos Amp, I'm wondering what sort of differences I can expect between the qualities of these two amps? The Classe 201 is 3,300.00 and the Stratos is 1200.00. I've had the Classe in my home for an audition and it was really nice, but before I spend all that money I want to try the Stratos to see if I agree with all the positive reviews.

Interestingly enough I only ordered the amp after reading the forums on AudioGon. I called Odyssey at about 6pm on Friday, and the guy who runs Odyssey (Klause) answered his cell phone while he was driving home! I think it was pretty cool that Klause had his business phone forwarded to his cell so he didn't miss a business call. I've been around audio for a long time, and I've never experienced this kind of service. However, I wil not keep the amp if it cannot match the performance of the higher priced amps.

I'm looking for feedback from others who have auditioned this amp against Classe 201.

Thanks.
mhubbard
hammergjh
157 posts
 
I agree w/ Nealhood's last response. Socrates, I didn't consider your remarks regarding the Odyssey and my perceptions of the unit as offensive in any way. Frankly, I've been thinking the same thing. Sell it and placate my wife or BUY something else! I would like to get a second opinion on the two amps in an A/B test, so I may invite an ex-audiophile, current friend over for a listening session. He used to sell audio equipment in the Boston area 20 years ago. He sold me the Hafler way back in the early 80's. My ears may not be what they used to be so a second set my be beneficial.

Over in Audiocircles I posted some initial negative responses regarding my Stratos and got all sorts of comments regarding my system. It wasn't the Odyssey's fault, is was my associated equipment. Well that might be but for 1200 bucks, I better love the amp or it's gone.
wccoe
75 posts
 
Any amplifier will only sound as good as the system's weakest link. What an Odyssey won't do is make a silk purse out of a pig's ear.
polara
72 posts
 
heck if you like the old amp better keep it and send the odyssey back, its not about how much a system costs but how well it works for YOU.
you might have found the right amp for you 20 years ago.
send back the amp and buy more music- maybe you should look into a upgrade to the hafler amp, that might be better way for you to spend your cash.
btw-i enjoy my odyssey extreme monos so much i'm talking to klaus about a amp for subwoofer duty- i hooked my monos up to my vmps large sub and the bass was sooo musical.but no way will i buy monos for my sub- i'm not that sick yet or rich.
mhubbard OP
86 posts
 
Yes, I agree that this post has gotten a little off track!

My final comment is that the fact is Socrates didn't even own a Odyssey amp in the first place. He owned a "BROKEN" ODL Amp, Which is a shame (that little detail was brought to my attention from the owner of Odyssey, who actually called me when he saw this post.). Its to bad he "reviewed" an impostor, he may have come to a different conclusion!
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,005 posts
 
I have both experience, the positon of Socrates and Mhubard
in my early audiophile stage,when my friend will give my
system low grade, I get upset.NOT ANYMORE.Now I was invited
once to a friend house and told me I HAVE ALL THE FREEDOM
TO SAY ON HIS SYSTEM.The moment I told him my honest
opinoin.He burst into flame.YOU KNOW I JUST GOT MY STRATOS
EXTREME 2 WEEKS AGO. I PUT AN AVERAGE OF AT LEAST 12 HOURS
OR MORE.I have to tell you this,this amps are running my
Andra eggleston like I have never heard before.I heard
them with very expensive gear but I like the naturality
of this monos than other expensive amps.NO ONE CAN CHANGE
MY IMPRESSION ON THIS AMPS.I BELIEVE THEY ARE NOT FULLY
BROKEN YET.THE EX OWNER OF ANDRA WAS VERY IMPRESS.IF SOCRATES THINK THAT THERE IS ONOTHER GOOD AMP THERE.I
APPRECIATE THE INFORMATION.WILL I EVER GET RID my
STRATOS? THE ANSWER IS NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO.........
BUT AGAIN LETS ALL GET ALONG AFTER ALL WE ARE NOT DESIGNER
OF THIS GEAR. PEACE....BE WITH YOU ALL.
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