Integrated amp for $ 900. ????

JoshK · « **Reply #20 on:** 14 Sep 2004, 04:07 pm »

Quote from: Eduardo AAVM

Thats a phenomenon we also have in Mexico, entering via HT, then going to better audio and then retro-back to stereo and at the highest opting for separated AV and stereo systems.

Take it one step further and opting for seperate AV & Stereo systems, but with both higher quality stereo.

Musky_Don · « **Reply #21 on:** 15 Sep 2004, 12:55 am »

Klaus,

Please note that I am not questioning whether you could produce a top quality integrated that would performance wise be very competitive in the $900 market. I have no doubt that sonically your entry would blow the doors off a Denon 380? and most if not all the 2-channel competition. I do believe the market is competitive and would require a lot of effort. I'd rather see Odyssey efforts focused on the existing base. The question you posed was "Anybody interested in an integrated amp based on the Khartago / Stratos, line level, and for under $ 900 ? ". At this time I have no interest in purchasing an integrated product. I would rather see additional development at the higher end of the Odyssey line. I have been a customer for several years. I'd hate to find out that next time I can afford to feed the 'upgrade animal' I am short on choices.

I wish you the best however you proceed.

Don

Xyrium · « **Reply #22 on:** 4 Oct 2004, 01:09 am »

I have to say, an integrated in that price range puts you up against a well established line by Creek. The A50i goes for $700.00. I'm not sure, but Artech may also still be selling closeout Audiolabs for user $700.00 as well. Those 8000S integrateds were very well built, has excellent sound, and a remote. Good luck though, because it's all marketing!

odysseyhk · « **Reply #23 on:** 10 Oct 2004, 05:47 pm »

There are quite a few visiter of our HK showroom considering upgrade from their existing integrated amp to Stratos but did not make up their mind on the preamp or they lack room to accomodate Stratos + Etesian/Tempest.

Instead of creating an integrated amp, I think it is probably convenient to create a "passive pre-amp option". Simply create a different front-plate with the ALPS volume control and switch between 2 sources. One source going through volume control and the other source bypass volume control.

Make it available for Stratos Stereo and Khartago. It won't spent much time from Klaus. He just need to work out the frontplate layout to fit the volume control and a 2 way switch, PLUS change the balance input to 2nd RCA input for the 2nd source.

It won't take much of his time. So that he can spend his time finishing his digital amp and work on something more exciting.

I think it is going to be a popular option.

Xyrium · « **Reply #24 on:** 11 Oct 2004, 02:35 pm »

I think a passive pre is a great idea for an option, but again, you're running against the Creek OBH line. Moreover, you'll need lines/connectors for the inputs and a Pot added to the chassis. It seems Klaus has had many of these chassis predesigned and changing that would involve labor charges since these chassis probably come right off the shelf and have the guts placed into them. I guess it's just a tough market for such a device.

klaus@odyssey · « **Reply #25 on:** 15 Oct 2004, 06:02 am »

OK, I'm doing it, and actually already have sold the 3 first amps with available faces, and another 4 coming in as well. WOW.
The amp is indeed the Khartago / Etesian passive unit in one case, and it's easy and conveniant to do. Obviously, at $ 885. the extra $ 100. is for the Alps, Groneberg wiring, the knob ($ 0 in machining alone), and the extra labor. For me, it's a wash in profits, but what a cool looking unit.
The single volume 3 " knob is smack in the middle of the 4 : face plate. Looks great, and the name is : Cyclops.

It's also not intended to sell dozens per month, but hey, we can do it, and it might be a great alternative for some and / or 2nd system.

Late,

Klaus

Eduardo AAVM · « **Reply #26 on:** 15 Oct 2004, 02:43 pm »

Great Klaus I would like to know more about it, maybe a picture, uppps I have to buy a demo unit also...

Nice name...

audioslave · « **Reply #27 on:** 15 Oct 2004, 03:40 pm »

Sounds good Klaus! Care to throw us a bone by showing us a pic of this bad boy?

jttlee · « **Reply #28 on:** 15 Oct 2004, 03:53 pm »

Hi Klaus,

How does Cyclops sound compared to the true Khartago + Etesian combo?

The price difference is around US$240, which is roughly 2/3 of the price of Etesian alone. Would like to know the difference between the two.

Thanks!

Regards,
John

odysseyhk · « **Reply #29 on:** 15 Oct 2004, 05:20 pm »

Quote from: jttlee

Hi Klaus,

How does Cyclops sound compared to the true Khartago + Etesian combo?

The price difference is around US$240, which is roughly 2/3 of the price of Etesian alone. Would like to know the difference between the two.

Thanks!

Regards,
John

John, I don't think there is different in sound. Practically, the passive preamp is having ALPS volume control and it is not going to pick-up noise even they are in the same box. So it is an integrated amp but it does not face the typical problem of integrated with active preamp stage. We save the money with the Etesian case, transformer, connectors.

Klaus, is it going to accept one source only? Any switch to bypass volume control function?

Xyrium · « **Reply #30 on:** 24 Mar 2005, 08:38 pm »

Holy thread resurrection!

Come on, what's the story with this beast? Do a dual mono config like the Musical Fidelity A3.2 or A308 integrated...

rmihai0 · « **Reply #31 on:** 26 Mar 2005, 10:32 am »

I agree with Xyrium - make it a DUAL mono design and then you will talk.

Xyrium · « **Reply #32 on:** 26 Mar 2005, 03:28 pm »

Even if you go with a single transformer with dual windings I believe it would be a great step forward. Otherwise, you're still competing with companies like Marantz and Onkyo. And put some balanced inputs on the Stratos while you're at it!

ghersh · « **Reply #33 on:** 31 Mar 2005, 09:22 pm »

Quote from: Xyrium

Holy thread resurrection!

Come on, what's the story with this beast? Do a dual mono config like the Musical Fidelity A3.2 or A308 integrated...

What's the story with this beast? I saw the 'Odyssey Cyclop' advertised at HK and SG sites, which is apparently combination of Khartago and Alps. One input. $900. Both second input and remote are extra $250, if I remember correctly. So it apparentloy a bit less expensive than Khartago + Ethesian, but not much. Not sure what's better: separate Khartago and passive Alps-based preamp, or the integrated one.

klaus@odyssey · « **Reply #34 on:** 12 Apr 2005, 09:23 am »

Guys, everything can be done, of course, and we can build up the sucker like crazy. However, as for the Cyclops, it's simply the bang for the buck. We're looking at a really, really great sounding unit here, and sure it's essentially a Khartago with the Alps and Groneberg wiring, yes. As for what's better, hmmm. Look at it this way: if you want the better sound, albeit a small difference, go with the Cyclops. If you want more flexibility, especially since the Etesian is really the inexpensive cure for shitty preamp out sections of receivers in HT / 2 channel integration systems, go with the separates.

Everything else, special requests, Stratos combos, etc. can all be done as well. Cost a bit more in labor , of course.

Late,

Klaus