[martinr]

A few months ago I sent my beloved Stratos Monos to Klaus to upgrade to what is very similar to the Kismet Mono's.  Klaus replaced the Stratos "red boards" with black boards.  Replaced the Stratos capacitors with 4 upgraded German capacitors in both amps, upgraded cabling and made one other change to the internal circuitry of the amps that I am not familiar with.  I have burned the amps in for well over 300 hours and believe the majority of sonic changes these amps go through are complete.
I was very happy with the Stratos Monos but the Kismet hybrid upgrade provides a definite jump in performance.  The most apparent sonic improvement is in the bass department.  I am using Lorelei speakers and bass extension is jaw dropping.  Not only bass extension (I wish I had an SPL meter to measure the frequency extension, plan on getting a meter one day), but definition of bass is greatly improved.  Definition of all instruments across the frequency spectrum is improved with this upgrade.  The gamut of musical terms you see in equipment reviews is better defined and improved - depth, soundstage...the entire presentation is more holographic.  Instruments and voices are better defined.  I listen to a combination of classic rock, bluegrass and Jazz, electric and acoustic music.   I would estimate a 10% power increase with the upgrade .  Bottom line the Monos were great but....these amps are just fantastic!
Thank you once again Klaus and crew for all you do.....I'll see you in October at RMAF.

- Martin

- My system: 
Candela Pre with upgraded tubes, capacitors
Marantz CC 4001 5 disc changer
Channel Islands Audio VDA 2 Dac and power supply
Monarchy Audio Dip/Upsampler
Lorelies on systrum platforms
MAC, Gronenberg IC's, Granite audio digital IC
Black Sands SC's
Porter Plug wall outlet
Belkin Pure AV power supply for digital and pre (Amps into the porter plug)
isolation devices
PWB cream electrec and rainbow foil on all CD's (give it a try!)

[MaxCast]

That is good to hear Martin.  Klaus has my Stereo EX and is doing a very similar upgrade.
I can't wait to get it back into the system.
Happy listening.

[TJHUB]

I just sent my Stratos mono extremes to Klaus as well. I can't wait to get them back.

I sure would love to hear what martinr is hearing. 

[dwsharp]

I've had similar work done to my mono Extreme Signature models along with new transformers. They have been running a little over two weeks and all I can say is Klaus has again went above and beyond the call of duty. Everything he told me about the upgrades was true in spades. Better everything! I've been listening to changes in several albums to build up a comparison benchmark and these sing. Kudos to Klaus.

Doug

[underdawg]

Does hybrid mean the upgrade uses vacuum tubes in the mod?

[rikhav]

Does hybrid mean the upgrade uses vacuum tubes in the mod?

Definitely not

I guess hybrid means Kismet in Stratos casing

[underdawg]

ah ok thank you for the clarification.

[Indiansprings]

Klaus,
I have the Stratos Mono Extremes, What are the upgrades for these, and subsequent prices. PM me is price discussions aren't allowed.

[klaus@odyssey]

PM'd

[klaus@odyssey]

Reason for PM is , again,  to talk with everyone in person,  as I can make 20 + different versions customized for the systems, needs, and budgets.....

[hukkfinn]

Martinr,
Thanks for posting this - my Stratos Extreme monoblocks are in Indiana having this same kind of upgrade.  As I wait, the anticipation is growing.  Great to read of your positive experience.
-Hukk

[martinr]

HOPE YOU ENJOY THEM!

[hukkfinn]

HOPE YOU ENJOY THEM!

Martin, do you remember what the break-in process was like?   Like, what the sound problems were at first, how they improved?
I just received my Kismet-inside-Stratos-cases monoblocks back and am breaking them in.
Thanks
Hukk

[martinr]

Hukk,

Out of the box the amps sounded better than the previous un-modded versions.  I broke them in using an ISOTEK break in disc for 200 hours.  After the 200 hour point I would say the amps were playing at around 85% of their fully realized potential.  High and low end frequencies smooth out over the first 200 hours, bass tightens up.  What I really enjoyed was the development of the front to rear soundstage that for me seemed to come into place between the 200 and 500 hour point.  The front to rear soundstage development I think gives the amps a nice holographic capability especially on good recordings. 

IMHO the amps take their full effect at around the 500 point.  Inner detail and front to rear soundstage develop fully after 200 hours.
I'd be interested to hear your (and other audiocirclers) impressions of your break -in experience. 

- Martin