2. amps-preamps
  3. 1268489027

Bel Canto verrsus Odyssey Stratos

I am currently using a Odyssey Audio Stratus 3HT 3 channel amp for my Center and Surround channels. I use the top of the line Odyssey Kismet monos for front R/L. I will soon be upgrading my L/R amps to some real high end pure class A monos. Logic dicates I should upgrading my 3 channel amp to keep the system balanced. There are a two considerations. First, I am mainly concerned with my center channel. Second, I do not have space for two separate big ass amps.

One option is to get the center board of my Stratos upgraded. However, there is a 2nd option I am considering.

Get the Bel Canto Ref 1000MKII for center, and get the 300S for my surround channels. This would fit nicely on a single shelf in my rack. The strenght of the Bel Cantos is in the midrange I understand, which would work real well for my center channel. Before doing this, i want to understand two things.

A - Is there any risk of the "sonic signature" of the Bel Cantos being so fundamentally different from what I am planning to get for Fronn L/R that this setup will screw up the balance of my system (I will be using pure class A amp for R/L)
B- How do the Bel Cantos compare to the Stratos? Has anyone ever compared the two. The stratos 3 channel version is the same as the standard 2 channel (with the extra channel), so a comparison in 2 channel setup sufficse.

Before I forget, I am using Revel Studios for R/L and a Kef 204c for center channel.

Thanks for any input on this.
edorr
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,475 posts
 
"Low end maybe not as defined as with more traditional amps."

Sonicmike, that surprises me. The ref1000 mkiis in my system seem to deliver exceptionally well defined bass.

Curious were they ref1000 or ref 1000 mkii and what pre-amp and speakers used with?
jax2
3,031 posts
 
"Low end maybe not as defined as with more traditional amps."

For the record, and FWIW, my memory would support this as well. As I said, I thought the Odyssey was better at controlling the low end, and, as I recall, had more impact there. I did not feel the midrange was bumped up on my system as one person opined, but that could be a system-dependent response. My memory of them was that they were quite linear. This was the original versions though.
edorr OP
714 posts
 
Low frequency rsponse is less of a concern for my center channel, which is all about vocals/midrange. I have been convinced by these comments it is worth a try blending amps - keep the heavy monsters for front L/R and inserting a bel canto mono into the center, and may be a bel canto stereo for surrounds at some point in the future. It may work out very well in fact.
More to discover