Halo or Odyssey

Peter was using a better pre-amp than me. I'm not familiar w/ the Matrix 805's. I was using the B&W CDM9 speakers. That might explain the differences.

Thanks for your reponses. Although I can audition the Halo's, doing so with the Statos is not an option. The one thing I don't want to give up is the nice warm Mosfet sound the Hafler has provided for many years. I also upgraded the 220 with 40Kuf caps a few years back, so the control that you refer to is even more evident with the VMPS's. Lots of watts is not really an issue to achieve fairly high SPL's because the speakers are quite efficient. 1 watt can produce 96dB @1 meter. Again, than for your input.

The Odyssey is smooth as silk but it hasn't any mosfet warmth; it doesn't have any mosfet "fog" or "mist" (Sam Tellig) either because it is very clear sounding.

Hafler gives great bang for the buck. The 9505 retails for 2K new but is discounted as low as $1400. Check out the very impressive slew rate (Halo also has a high rate).

If memory serves me, Slew rates are voltage and bandwidth variable. Although important, I would NEVER buy an amp based on a slew rate, or any other spec for that matter.

Hafler isnt what it used to be. Which is a shame, because they offered a great product. I blame it on the Rockford Group, but that is another thread.

IMO, the DH220 is a winner. Though the Odyssey is too and would be my pick.