[kingdeezie]

A couple months ago I posted about a problem I was having with my Odyssey Stratos Mono Extreme SEs; about how, when hooked up to my preamp there was a weird electrical dis-synergy that was causing me to get shocked.

I sent the amplifiers back to Klaus shortly after posting at his request to have them check out. I had bought them used from someone.

Upon getting them and checking them out, Klaus informed me that the amplifiers had been tampered with by the previous owner, and that this might be the cause of the problem.

Klaus offered me several options, which, to make a long story short, we concluded that the amplifiers would be completely gutted and revamped; leaving only the chassis, the speaker terminals, the XLR connector, and the RCA connector.

Klaus offered me a very very fair rate for both his services and for upgrades to the amplifiers.

So, in the wake of all of this frustration, Klaus created for me the "Kismetros" Monoblock amplifiers. (My name for them).

They arrived on Saturday and are working beautifully with the preamp now.

Klaus told me they would take about 3-400 hours to break in, so I have been running them as much as I can.

At this point they show amazing promise. Extremely detailed, super fast, and dynamic. The highs and upper midrange need a tad bit of smoothing out, and the bass goes from super shy to overly bloaty; but I am sure this is all break-in.

I have 42 hours on them right now, so only about 358 left.

For anyone thinking of getting a pair of Odysseys, I greatly recommend it!

Also, before buying them used, try giving Klaus a call. He has B-stock available a lot of times, and you won't risk the headache I had of buying it from a stranger who might have gotten solder-gun happy.

Defintely am now truly excited with my system; more so then I have been in a long time.

Thanks Klaus! 

[loki1957]

Klaus for President 2012.

[djbnh]

Try speeding up break-in by using the IsoTek System Enhancer CD, works like a charm even on Odyssey monblocks.

[Nicholas Bedworth]

I"d agree about the break-in/conditioning discs. I use the Reference Recordings track and it really speeds up dialing in the system.

Upon delivery, my Stratos stereo "glass ceiling" also went through the bass-shy to bass-bloat to bass-extreme mode over a couple of days. So that seems to be normal.

[kingdeezie]

Throwing an update out there....

I have over 100 hours on them now, and things have been progressing pretty well to this point.

The bass has gotten much more consistent, and is settling into that super tight, dynamic, and punchy sound. The combination of my GR Research LSs and these Odyssey amps is really producing some amazing bass. Everything from upright bass to electric bass is so well articulated; this has to be my favorite attribute of the amplifiers right now.

The highs and the midrange are still going through some growing pains though it seems. Sometimes it seems as if the highs are absolutely perfect, and then other times they come off as a little brittle.

We shall see how much more they grow up in the next 2-300 hours.

 

[GeorgeHudetz]

I have a pair of "Klaus Specials" as well - in my case, they are Khartago monos that I purchased refurbished, but with all the Stratos SE upgrades save for the larger transformers.  They are fabulous sounding, and Klaus' service lived up to his reputation.  B-stock can be a great way to go with Klaus.

[FullRangeMan]

Hi Folks,
As I do not live in North America I do not know what is B-stock!
Could it be second class gear??  Being class A the best?
Thanks, Gustavo

[gerald porzio]

"B" Stock is usually units that have been refurbished, have cosmetic blemishes or were returned after the carton was opened & sometimes the warranty card was mailed in. These units function like new but obviously can't & shouldn't be sold as new.

[satfrat]

It's the same gear at a "prehandled" discount price. Warranty is still the 20 year deal as an unopened box gear.   
 
Cheers,
Robin

[FullRangeMan]

"B" Stock is usually units that have been refurbished, have cosmetic blemishes or were returned after the carton was opened & sometimes the warranty card was mailed in. These units function like new but obviously can't & shouldn't be sold as new.

Ahhh, I see, perfect. Many thanks Gerald and Robin for this complete info.
Regards, Gustavo