You may want to look into the Van Alstine monoblocks.
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
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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. |
Phil,
No, I wasn't surprised at the 12 years...Heck, we still have several hundred amps running perfectly that were made the last century !!!!! And we did Newark because of the UPS problems...and as far as my memory and our emails serve me, the buzz did continue, albeit at the center channel...even with new boards, etc. I cannot recreate any problems in someones system, I can only do my best trying to rectify it on my side. That doesn't mean that our amps didn't act up at all...heck, 7500 + amps out there, shiiit happens. However, when you're running it for 12 years + without a problem, then a problem arises and you can't get the same level back then maybe there's another underlying issue......
However, I did try to solve it...again and again .....sorry that it didn't work out, even though you were singing the highest praise for the Kismets performance...
As for the input sensitivity, it's 22k, and tube or passive pres are just fine with it........ |
@odysseyaudio I know you tried to help, and that you were willing to service the amp again. I couldn't handle the lifting and shipping costs anymore. The last straw wasn't the buzz in the center channel, it was when there was smoke and a burning smell coming from the amp. That's when I gave up. I know you're not responsible for shipping costs out of warranty. But it was adding up. My issues with lifting the amp are also on me. I was younger and stronger when I bought it. And, IIRC, when I said I had the amp for 12 years, your comment was a long the lines of "wow, 12 years is a long time with no problems", or something to that effect. If my memory has failed me, I apologize, but I remember being surprised by your comment. |
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