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Looking for an amp....Opinions about Odyssey or Bel Canto audio anyone?

Hey people, 
I'm looking at purchasing a new amp, stereo or possibly monos, and I've read very good reviews regarding Bel Canto, but not much regarding Odyssey audio and their offerings. Anyone with experience with either? I realize I'm comparing vastly different amps, but I need more power than my current class d amp gives me--I think my speakers would really benefit from the higher power. Odyssey amps look nice, but you have to spend a good amount of money to get anything over 180 watts. 

 I'm open to suggestions, but I was looking at a used pair of Bel Canto REF 1000Ms or a new Odyssey. 
Thanks in advance.
Jerry
jonasandezekiel
audiojan's avatar
audiojan
421 posts
 
If you’re looking at Bel Canto take a look at the REF500M instead of the 1000’s. Just a really sweet pair of amps that can deliver stunning inner details 
lwin's avatar
lwin
576 posts
 
I recently purchased a used pair of Stratos Extreme mono blocks here on Audiogon. I had heard a lot of positive reviews on them so I thought I would give them a try. I was very surprised how good they sounded so much so that after talking to the Odyssey Audio owner Klaus Bunge, I sent them in to be upgraded to Kismets. I have had some SS amps in my system that were much more expensive then the Stratos and they did not sound nearly as good.
bob7296's avatar
bob7296
35 posts
 
I've owned an Odyssey Stratos for over 15 years now, and had it upgraded to an Extreme model along the way. It's been very reliable and mates up well with tube preamps. I've been very happy with its performance and sound quality. I can't say anything bad about it. It's a real Giant Killer!
markalarsen's avatar
markalarsen
660 posts
 
Consider the new Bel Canto REF600M monoblocks. They are extraordinarily good at there price point. I have owned the REF600M and the REF1000M. The 600M is a noticeable improvement. Great company btw. 
jonasandezekiel OP
158 posts
 
Markalarsen,
The new 600M is an ncore design, is it not? 
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