Not to stir anything up, but what is the story on the ODL?

buckeyefanandy · « **on:** 23 Oct 2005, 06:31 am »

I have my eyes peeled on agon for a used Etasian preamp. I see a strange add for a ODL Stratos Amp?
It implies that it is an older version of the Odyssey amp and states that it can be sent in to be serviced or upgraded. Sounded very fishy to me and wanted to know if there are any signs to look for that this a pirated hunk of trash that will serve as a pricey anchor.

Is this Legit?

How can I tell between the real deal, and the "ODL"?

Andy

bunky · « **Reply #1 on:** 23 Oct 2005, 09:14 am »

Quote from: buckeyefanandy

I have my eyes peeled on agon for a used Etasian preamp. I see a strange add for a ODL Stratos Amp?
It implies that it is an older version of the Odyssey amp and states that it can be sent in to be serviced or upgraded. Sounded very fishy to me and wanted to know if there are any signs to look for that this a pirated hunk of trash that will serve as a pricey anchor.

Is this Legit?

How can I tell between the real deal, and the "ODL"?

Andy

from what i have read ODL was an amplifier built by ex business associates of Klaus without benefit of the legal right to build the design which belongs to Klaus. things got ugly and it went to court and Klaus prevailed. klaus can identify an amp via the serial number. he has been known in the past to work on the ODL probably because he felt sorry for the buyer. there were no warrantys on this amp and by all accounts it was of inferior build quality.thanks...WCW III

MaxCast · « **Reply #2 on:** 23 Oct 2005, 10:55 am »

IMO, Klaus doesn't like to work on them and it may take a little arm twisting to do it. The cheaper price is NOT worth it. Wait for the real deal with the remainder of a 20 year warrenty!!! Like bunky said, if you ever consider a used Stratos get the seriel number and the name of the original owner then give Klaus a call.

buckeyefanandy · « **Reply #3 on:** 23 Oct 2005, 12:52 pm »

I have had people email me offers from other forums saying they will sell the original stratos made by Symphonic Line. They imply that this was pre Klaus and that it has a totally differant look to it, IE heat sinks and case. That started to make me think what is up here then I saw an ODL amp offered as the original Odyssey Stratos.

I would like to know if this is an exact replica or is there a ODL instead of Odyssey?

What does ODL stand for, Old Dirty Liars.

Thanks for the info.

Marbles · « **Reply #4 on:** 23 Oct 2005, 01:43 pm »

Old dirty liars is pretty good.

Klaus brought in partners, partners try to rip off Klaus. Product is sold under Odyssey Design Labs, Partners are sued and are out of buisiness, Klaus is going strong. Klaus went with Odyssey Design Group (ODG)

Stratos is a Symphonic Line design made by Klaus with the blessing of SL.
Klaus is also the North American, South American and Asian importer of Symphonic Line.

Many ODL's were dumped at $500 right before the partners closed shop. To add insult they were selling long term warrenties for $150 extra ...and they new they were going out of business..that's what scum these guys were.

Stay away from the amps...

buckeyefanandy · « **Reply #5 on:** 23 Oct 2005, 01:54 pm »

Marbles,

Has the Stratos always had the same look and chasis over the years. Or was there ever a Symphonic line Stratos amp. If not what Symphonic line amp is the Stratos designed after?

Lots of questions I know, but knowlege is power.

Thanks for the ODL story. Is there any way to tell the differance on the outside or inside of the bootleg version.

thanks for the info,
Andy

bunky · « **Reply #6 on:** 23 Oct 2005, 02:08 pm »

Quote from: buckeyefanandy

Marbles,

Has the Stratos always had the same look and chasis over the years. Or was there ever a Symphonic line Stratos amp. If not what Symphonic line amp is the Stratos designed after?

Lots of questions I know, but knowlege is power.

Thanks for the ODL story. Is there any way to tell the differance on the outside or inside of the bootleg version.

thanks for the info,
Andy

all of the Odyssey amplifiers are based on the Symphonic Line RG 11 power amplifier including the Khartago that you were lucky enough purchase for a incredibly low retail price. the RG are the initials of Rolf Gemein owner and brilliant audio designer for the German made Symphonic Line. thanks....WCW III

Marbles · « **Reply #7 on:** 23 Oct 2005, 02:40 pm »

The ODL and original Stratos had horizontal side heatsinks.

There was a design change about 4 years ago IIRC.

Marbles · « **Reply #8 on:** 23 Oct 2005, 04:14 pm »

Here is an Old thread from HD.

The threads regarding this at AR seem to be long gone

http://www.harmonicdiscord.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5533

Some ODL amps had ODL on them, some did not. Klaus has the seial numbers of all amps that were both ODL made and ODG made. You should call him before buying any amp to make sure you are getting HIS amps, and to make sure the warranty gets transfered to you.

buckeyefanandy · « **Reply #9 on:** 23 Oct 2005, 04:33 pm »

Marbles,

Thanks for clearing this up and for setting me straight. The link was very helpful.

Cheers
andy

Marbles · « **Reply #10 on:** 23 Oct 2005, 04:38 pm »

From the ad, "I was told that Odyssey Audio will work on this amp."

I don't know who told him this, but Klaus would have to like you a LOT to do that...If he did it would cost you a LOT of money.

The other Stratos by Symphonic line ad looks suspiciously like an ODL advert too.

Get a serial number for that one!

buckeyefanandy · « **Reply #11 on:** 23 Oct 2005, 04:47 pm »

I thought it looked a little iffy. I have been telling everyone I can about Odyssey gear, now I can give them fair warning. I think it would be hard to buy a used amp, I just can't get over having my name on the back of my new Khartago.

Thanks so much.

Andy

Marbles · « **Reply #12 on:** 30 Oct 2005, 05:43 pm »

The Symphonic Line could be legit.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1135867127

Best to still ask Klaus about it.

Also who knows, Klaus might have one from his garage sale that would be the new style, and not far from that same cost.