Eduardo,
Yep, these are the babies, the top ones. They're one step down from the gold ones, which we use in the Stratos, and they're beautiful. They also retail for something like $ 15. or so a piece. !!! In addition to the WBT, we also use the same big, superb input connectors and switches from the Stratos.
What did we learn from the Khartago /?? Mothing , really, because the Khartago board is identical to that of the Stratos. That's also why the K. is superior in definition, sound staging, etc. to a 1 year old Stratos, because the Stratos 1 year old + doesn't have the all Groneberg input and output wiring or the Plitron transformers and our Odyssey caps. The Khartago does have Groneberg and the caps. Is the older Stratos still better ? Yes, of course it is because of the power supply and when the cap upgrade is added, then it's not close.
I have always pointed out that the Stratos is ain fact the $ 3k+ Symphonic Line RG 11. Well, in reality it's a much improved RG 11 with better cables, ps, and case. The Khartago is much closer to teh RG 11. So, we succeeded in bringing the cost down from $ 3,400. to $ 750, and probably improved a bit as well.
As for the design, the amp stays slim, 4" tall, and 18 " wide with 16 " depth. Very sleek, and has the same brushed / anodized / laser engraved face plate. I really like the top cover. Because of the internal heatsinks, both , bottom and top have to have holes for air flow. With the top, I decided on several rows / 3 per side / of round holes going front to back. Love it, and it allows a peek into teh internals. Our new boards are fire truck red now, and I'll have the internal heat sinks anodized in a dark blue for contrast. Has nothing to do with sonics, but it will look very interesting, hehehe.
Late,
Klaus
