[steve f]

Hi all,
After years of extreme audiophilia, I'm having a change of heart. Simplify, simplify, simplify. Here are my questions. How little amplifier can I get by on? Will a basic Khartago be the ticket for a guy who uses high efficiency speakers based on pro drivers? I do play at 105DB peak levels on occasion, but by and large any amp is powerful enough for my needs. Opinions please. I really no longer care for tubes.
Steve

[pfradale]

I'd say it depends entirely on how sensitive your speakers are; if you have highly efficient speakers, say 98~100dB/W/m, you'll find most SS amps quite sufficient and could even run fully Class A amps with room to spare.

[pfradale]

Sorry, dug this up from an older post, an SPL calculator.  Just plug in your values and see what would be generated!

http://www.doctorproaudio.com/doctor/calculadores_en.htm

[steve f]

Thanks guys. SPL isn't the problem. My speakers range from 95-99 DB. Let me rephrase my question. I'm guilty of not being clear, and my poor typing skills cause me to not explain as well as I should, sorry.

I have never tried Odyssey products. I obviously can get by with any of the stereo amps with power to spare. My concern is control, grain free, soundstage, etc. Which amps are the "better choices" for high efficiency mult-way speakers? There are a lot of options available, and different yet similar amp lines. Which stereo amps do you prefer and why please? That will give me a good foundation before I call in to order. Thanks again.

Steve

[Haoleb]

Your best bet is give Klaus a ring and let him know what you have, what you expect to get out of your system and he will be able to tell you which product will do the job, nobody on these boards knows the amps and how they sound as well as he does and he won't try and just sell you something you don't need just to make a few extra bucks.

[aaron.luebke]

I think a Khartago would be perfect - same components as a Stratos, same upgrades available (except in quantity of caps/transformers/boards).  They are on the small and light side compared to Stratos.

Call Klaus and see what he says but I think you're on the right track.

[Freo-1]

Check out Valvet Audio. I almost bought a pair of their single ended monoblocks. 
 
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1112/valvet_e1r.htm 

[klaus@odyssey]

Never mind that the question was for Odyssey gear, and which way to go,  if opting for our products.  Also, as little doesn't always mean size, but pricing as well.  And then of course the performance...so,  a simple best-bang-for-the-buck .... the Khartago of course is the way to go, and can be optioned out to the hilt,  actually making it better than a Stratos plus with the right parts.......

[NavyDoc]

I use a Klaus hotrodded Khartago with my pro driver based speakers (JBL 2226 H 15" driver, B&C DE250 compression driver). The amp is very good, full details, great bass, and great soundstage. I will upgrade to monoblocks at some point, not that I need more power but I want more power. On occassion I really open up the volume and sound quality doesn't drop off. Overall, grainless great amp not just a great budget amp.

[steve f]

Navy Doc, 4 PI's ?

Klaus, its going to be a couple of months until I order. I'm relocating soon.

My follow up question to both of you is can you give me some general Khartago upgrade suggestions? Thanks.

Steve

[klaus@odyssey]

What are your loudspeakers ???

[steve f]

I have two pair. I used either a pair of Pi Speakers three pi or a pair of my own design. A mtm with hi -vi pro planar magnetic tweeters, cminence mids and mid woofers. They are a very sensitive 4 ohm load. 99DB. My speakers change every year or two because I like building them, and can't leave well enough alone. Example, current contemplating a Beverage type ESL. Fortunately, my music loving wife is tolerant of my projects.

Steve

[klaus@odyssey]

Yes,  of course the Khartago would work great here,  especially with it's somewhat warm personality,  which will complement  planar drivers perfectly !!!!!
Beveridges,  are you serious ??? Do you really know what you're getting into ????????????????  Wow,  you my man have bigger balls than me,  for sure.....

Anyway,  bottom line as to what I would do for amplification also based on the fact that you probably don't know yet what else you'll have in the future :

Khartago Extreme (power supply upgrade w/ 120,000 uF and the Toroid tranny) and SE + version (scale down of Kismet parts upgrades on board, with the TS Premium cabling upgrade)
That wil suit everything that you have right now really well.

Late,
Klaus

[steve f]

Thanks Klaus,

Yep Bev's ESL, or at least something quite similar. The tough part will be their panel style, even more so than the lens. Going to be a looooong term project though. I heard a pair as a youngster many years ago and was extremely impressed. It was the first, and one of the few times I've ever heard sound just float in the listening room. The word illumination comes to mind. If my speakers suck, I'll build a nice bonfire.

Steve