Hi Nicholas,
Sorry about the delay, just got back from another trip.
Anyway, as for your answers:
1. Originally a couple of years ago, we stated that the amps would be 30 + W. class A, which is quite possible. However, in reality, and because of the final biasing of our current amps, it's more like 10 W., and even that varies depending on circumstances. With the Xtreme reference edition monos, we're biasing the amps a bit hotter, but probably still in the same ballpark.
However, as with all Symphonic Line amps, it really doesn't make a difference since the x-over to AB is absolutely impossible to detect. The SL designs are 100 % coherent in this regard.
Yes, I know the saying " the first Watt is the most important one " " pure class A is the best sounding" etc, etc, etc. Truth is, all of this is just soso. Doesn't tell you as to how it sounds. With bad amps, you can tell a difference in the x-over from a class A to AB or B, just as you can in a speaker with a bad x-over. So what, we're talking SL here.
2. As for the Tempest, yes, it's exactly the same bang for the buck. Actually, the Tempest is pretty much identical to the RG 2, which now retails for $ 3,200. in Germany. However, the phono is an integral part of the circuitry, and we can't just take it out. There are manufacturer who simply forego connections to the phono stage that is also inherent in the designs, and charge an extra 100's of $ just to add a couple of RCA connectors to something that's already there. %^*$#@%$@!% them. that's exactly why I'm doing Odyssey.
However, interestingly enough, for those of you who might not want phono, we have the possibility to use that part of the connectors and area of the board to customize an AV bypass. We already did that a few times, and essentially, we're looking at about $ 5. in parts, but about 1-2 hrs of labor. I think we charged somewhere around $ 50. for that upgrade.
With the phono stage, it's both, MM and MC selectable, and the sound quality is pretty darn good. Keep in mind that the Stratos / Tempest is essentially the big RG 10 integrated amp in Germany, which is teh daily reference integrated unit for a couple of mags over there, and the phono stages have been reviewed very nicely.
So, you can either have the Tempest with the phono stage, or with an HT bypass, but not both.
3. Vandersteens. Man, what can I say. Since 1987, I've probably heard any sort of SL / Vandy combination dozens of times. . Our local dealer here pushed that combination, and I've heard quite a few combinations of RG 1, RG 4's, Stratos stereo or monos / Vandy 1's, 2's 3's and 5's. Always the same result: very, very nice. The amps have the speaker under control, no brainer. The high end of the Vandy's, which can be somewhat of a problem in some unmatched systems, is always sweet and extended. So, as for synergy, it's probably in the top 10 for the Stratos.
4. Man, there's a lot of good gear out there that would qualify. A lot. Depends on the budget, the rest of your system (synergy rules), and your listening preferences. What about your room acoustics ? Bright, lots of glass / mirrors, etc. or dark and damped, carpet / lots of heavy furniture / etc. Speakers more against the wall or out in the room ??? Facing the short or the long wall ?? Ceiling height ? Side clearence ??? When you're talking synergy, there are dozens of factors at work, that's why there are so many successful tweaks that diminish problem areas. However, if care has been taken from the get-go, you're far ahead of the curve already. Let me know what exactly you're looking for, or best yet, call me at 317 299 5578, so that we can discuss all of these issues at great length. Just make sure you have a couple of hours, this can take long.
Later,
Klaus