Speakers for Odyssey Stratos Extreme monos

While I would agree with Wendell in principle, I myself ended up doing it the O.P.'s way. Since you already have the amps, I would suggest you do not commit to speakers that you cannot try in your own home first. The Odyssey speakers have a 30-day return option, so Tenorclef's suggestion is worth considering. I would avoid buying used for that reason unless you are pretty sure the used speakers you buy will work well in your room with your amps.

Although not an Extreme Glass Ceiling model, I have owned an Odyssey Stratos HT3 with cap upgrade since 2005. I really like this amp. I am in the process of upgrading my speakers right now. One thing I have benefited from is using the HT3 with a tubed preamp. IMHO, this combo of a good SS amp with a decent tube preamp (in my case a used Conrad-Johnson PV-11) results in a muscular yet musical sound with decent speakers.

I am nearing the end of my in-home trial on a pair of Ohm Acoustics Walsh 2000s. Although dynamics were constricted when I first got them, they have opened up nicely. They now have a lot of that jump factor that can make you sit upgright in your chair on musical peaks. Best of all, they do not get confused or congested when the SPLs get high. IMHO, they are very detailed, but never "analytical" - especially in the brightness range, where I am very sensitive to distortion and exaggeration. They are almost always totally smooth and clear, source material allowing. If anything, the highs are a tad rolled off (although you can adjust this easily and dramatically with the toe-in).

They also image surprisingly well, and many Ohm Walsh owners prefer to use them without a center channel speaker in A/V systems.

The Ohm Walsh line is basically the same design scaled for different room volumes. The web site, www.ohmspeakers.com, lists which models are appropriate for a given room volume. I personally like this approach a great deal. Ohm gives you four months to try them out at home. Since they change dramatically as they break in, you'll need the time. They also like a powerfull amp with a good damping factor and high current output. Since my HT3 is completely up to the task in my 2800 c.f. room, I would think your amps would be a great match.

You can read more about my experience with these speakers on the Ohm thread:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?cspkr&1223044851

I agree with some of the points the other responders have made. I have had experience with several speakers that those amps sound wonderful with. Alon and the Odyssey amps are a very good match, giving a very refined sound. Magnepans do well with them too. I tried VonSweikerts (sp) VR3's with success as well. But you have to consider your room and other factors too. Alons in my opinion should be lifted @ least 6" off the floor. The Maggies (1.6's and most of the other models) benefit from lifting them off the floor. Even the VR3's sounded much better lifted off the floor and bass bloat was reduced. I have a small room 13' x 14' and lifting the speakers made the bass less bloated or fat. I sold my Alons 2 years ago and have regretted it since. I owned 2 Stratos amps and an ODL. I'd buy them again to use with any of the speakers above.

I had Usher CP6381's with those amps in a 14 x 24 room, they are just what you are looking for. Great with all types of music and good dynamics, You can find them used under 2k. Read 6moons review

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/usher/6381.html

I agree with Narrod. This is Audiogon, you can always sell your amps if need be.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I got a good price on a set of used Loreleis so I will give them a try. Maybe some synergy with the Odyssey amps.