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Odyssey Audio Kismet Mono Blocks

So, I've been eyeballing some local used Kismet monos.  Currently using my Hegel H360 integrated (usually) to power Maggie LRS (also in rotation Snell type D and VA Bach Grands).  Sounds pretty good to my ears, but I've always been wanting to try monoblocks.  I figure Odyssey might be a good place to start as any.  I like what Klaus is doing.  Seems like great bang for the buck.  His room was one of my favs at Axpona also.  

Anybody happen to have any experience comparing Odyssey to Hegel?  Or just impressions of Kismet monos in general?  How about using monos on Maggies?  I'd love to just buy 'em and do a shootout but that won't be happening.   

Thanks  

pkatsuleas
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,404 posts
 

I had a Stratos Extreme amp for at least 6 years or so. The Kismet is the next step up from the Extremes.  My Extreme had the black Kismet boards in it and I loved the amp. Great midrange, amazing bass, and the treble had detail yet was never ever shrill. Only reason I sold it (very hesitantly) was because I went in on a mostly all McIntosh system. You can’t go wrong with the Kismet, mono or stereo amps.

pkatsuleas OP
258 posts
 

Thanks for the replies.  Wow if the Odysseys are a little smoother up top that would be something!  One of the best attributes about the Hegel, IMO, is the smooth presentation.  I would have to sell the Hegel to purchase the Kismets.  Something I've considered doing for a while now but just can't get myself to list it!  

Thanks again.

jeffseight's avatar
jeffseight
574 posts
 

You may want to look into the Van Alstine monoblocks.

 

jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 

one other thing i would add is that the odyssey amps have pretty high input sensitivity, and they run best via the rca inputs -- sometimes people have trouble with gain matching depending on what they use to feed the odyssey amps in terms of preamp or dac (if direct feed)

bondmanp
1,816 posts
 

FWIW, I had an Odyssey Stratos HT3 3 channel for about 12 years when it required service.  Klaus was surprised I went 12 years with no issues.  While it was in for repairs, I upgraded to full Kismet internals. The first time it was shipped back, FedEx (or UPS) destroyed it, requiring another trip back to Klaus.  This time he send it back air freight, requiring me to pick it up at Newark airport.  It sound pretty good for about 5 months, then failed again.  My back and I discussed it, and we decided to cut our losses.  I purchased an Arion S500 amp, 500 watts x 2, weighing just 22 pounds.  It sounds great, and has been 100% reliable over the last four years.  The biggest surprise was the elimination of a peak around 7kHz that I thought was my speakers or my room.  It was actually the Odyssey amp.  I have only heard Hegel at shows, but between the two, I would go with Hegel.  But I would check out Arion, they make great amps, including monoblocks and tube hybrids.

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