[carusoracer]

Stratos Extreme upgrade to Dual Mono Extreme impressions/ poll

Just as the title lists. I have the Latest version of the Stratos Extreme. After my long break in the Amp simply gets better and better with what ever component you put in its path.

With that said, I'm soliciting responses and a short Poll/ list of attributes and sonic qualities that exist between the Dual Mono's versus Single Extreme. Please feel free to express in forum or PM. I very interested in hearing from other Circle and non circle members.

[mtodde]

Thanks for posting this...I own a Stratos with the cap upgrade and have considered going to the dual monos next year. 

[DMi]

Unless there are budget surprises I'm planning on doing the same about next month. Talking to Klaus via phone and email doesn't seem to cut it. Need the hardware. 

Doug Sharp

[lazydays]

I had my Stratos monoblocs upgraded to the extreme mode back in July (I think), and they have their own unique sound. Somewhat tube like to my ears. Very powerfull (much more than I'll ever need), and seem to get faster as they age. Right now mine are waiting on the Candela preamp and maybe some phono upgrades down the road.

     If I had a complaint I'd say that it's the total physical size of these amps. They take up a lot of space. But that's about it. My right channel amp has been turned off once for a cable inspection, and the left has never been off. And I might add that if you buy a pair; make sure you have some good amp stands! These amps weigh 75lb. a piece! They fit my current amps stands like a glove, but were bigger than my older ones. If I were to make one change to them I think it would be a switch to turn on the light in the front face as I can see where it might be a distraction when listening to Ray Brown go thru a solo at two in the morning.
gary

[TheChairGuy]

As lazydays indicated, the Stratos mono's are large.

The largest part of the reason for me buying the Khartago Monoblock Extremes was space issue (secondary to weight and cost).  For me, on my MMG Maggies, either monoblock is a case of extreme overkill...and Klaus said I might not ever know the difference.

As it is it takes up 2/3 of the bottom shelf of my Target stand...but it leaves enough room for me to have my (fairly small footprint) phono preamp above them...and still have enough room for transport, preamp and DAc on the top shelf 

[byteme]

I had the Stratos Extreme for almost 2 years before upgrading to Mono Extremes.  After breaking in the Monos I'd say the biggest difference I heard was in presence and authority.  Things seemed even more real.  Bass more palpable but not inappropriately so.  It wasn't something that I'd listen to the Stratos and say "boy, that's really missing" but once you hear the Monos you realize what the extra power brings you.  I'm sure this is dependent on what speakers you're driving, with the Lorelie's the monos made a noticable difference.  One area that did really grab me was soundstage, it was both wider and more precise.  Really great for movies as well.  I had to recalibrate after getting the monos.  I'm very happy with them.