CIA or Odyssey...and what speakers too?

hawaiidave · « **on:** 24 Mar 2006, 07:21 pm »

I posted this over at the Channel Islands Board too, but would like the opinions of the fine people on this board:

I am leaning towards buying three D200s to add into my system, but I am also heavily considering the Odyssey Stratos Mono Extremes or even the HT3. I would like to know if anybody has heard some comparisons and what if any benefit would one have over the other. If anybody has any recommendations on speakers too, I will be upgrading the mains. The system is for HT and music. Below is my current system and my list of speakers to choose from:

Rotel 1056
Denon 2910
2 IRD MB 100 monos (currentlypowering mains, but going to run rears)
Totem Arros (mains)
Totem Mite (center)
Totem Dreamcatcher (surrounds)
Velodyne Minivee sub

I am considering moving the Arros back to surround and buying a pair of one of the following for mains (Arros don't have enough low-midrange for my taste in music):

Totem Forests
Odyssey Lorelei
Legacy Signature III
Gallo Reference 3.1

I am relatively new at this stuff and would really appreciate any input. It is a lot of money for me and I want to get it right. I live in Hawaii and the shipping kills me if I have to ship anything back - especially 150 pounds of speakers.

byteme · « **Reply #1 on:** 24 Mar 2006, 08:19 pm »

I've not heard the CIA mono's but have Klaus' monos powering Lorelie's and it's lovely. Really something else how musical and synergystic that combo is. I can't speak for this amp with the other speakers listed either, but the HT3 or the monos and the Odyssey speakers are wonderful together. Upgraditis is a thing of the past for me, now it's just about the music. As it should be.

F-100 · « **Reply #2 on:** 24 Mar 2006, 09:03 pm »

I concur with Byteme on the synergy between betwen the Lorelei and Extreme Mono. After hearing these two combo at on of the AC member's house, the Lorelei is definitely on my next upgrade list.

bunky · « **Reply #3 on:** 25 Mar 2006, 12:56 am »

The Loreleis are really something else, top shelf Scanspeak drivers with a Rolf Gemein designed Crossover, with beautiful elegant sloped baffle cabinets covered in natural cherry , dark red cherry and also in oak or black ash.WBT binding posts and Audio selection cone footers. i also like my friend byteme, am not shopping for gear but i am just really enjoying the music. thanks....WCW III

siowyn · « **Reply #4 on:** 25 Mar 2006, 02:03 am »

hi!
I have a pair of mono extreme and I can say they drive my harbeth SLH5 very well. But I would really not trust anyone's opinion unless you have heard the set up yourself as its so so dependent on the set up, individual taste etc.
i would say look for a dealer who can do a home demo for you. In terms of reviews the two are very well reviewed, so I would say go for the one who can get the demo in your home, if you are happy with the sound.
same for the speakers. its a lot of money, and its worth getting them to demo it, even if you have to strong arm them.

And besides, how can you expect a realistically unbiased opinion on a board of owners of the odysessy gear.
No offence to all on this board, but just advising best way to get a neutral.. voice . haha.

Nam
Singapore.

hawaiidave · « **Reply #5 on:** 25 Mar 2006, 02:13 am »

I knew it wouldn't be neutral - put an almost identical post on the CIA board

I will be demoing the speakers (except Lorelei) at a local dealer, but he doesn't stock or bring in either amp (of course direct with Odyssey). Just wanted some general input in the off chance anyone had heard combos of the amps/speakers. Sounds like people are impressed with the Odyssey products...

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #6 on:** 25 Mar 2006, 08:57 am »

Dave,

Chris[/list:u]