How good is the Stratos?

fishwater · « **on:** 24 Jan 2004, 12:56 am »

I have not heard the Stratos yet but have heard great reviews. I have recently sold my McCormack DNA-1 & Tyler Reference monitors. I have a new set of VR4jr's on order. I am considering the Stratos (prefer the mono's) to mate with my new Von Schweikerts & Audible Illusions L1. Since I haven't heard the speakers yet I know I'm taking a risk but how does the Stratos compare t the DNA-1 or any other amps in it's price range for Rock & Roll?

greve · « **Reply #1 on:** 24 Jan 2004, 02:24 pm »

If you don't find enough info on this site, then you may want to check Odyssey products on www.audioreview.com - I just visited there by accident (almost) and checked feedback on Odyssey products, and it's impressive indeed.

I'm myself a happy HT3 owner, but I can't offer any answers to your specific questions.

Hantra · « **Reply #2 on:** 24 Jan 2004, 03:43 pm »

If you had a DNA-1, you will be disappointed with the Stratos, IMO. Stratos are a good value amp for what you get, but they are not even in the same ballpark as any McCormack amp. I had a DNA-1 Deluxe myself when I first heard the Odyssey, and it was quite a stark difference.

Good luck,

B

Eduardo AAVM · « **Reply #3 on:** 24 Jan 2004, 04:48 pm »

Maybe you didn't let the amp to burn for sooo many hours, Hantra...

Ferdi · « **Reply #4 on:** 24 Jan 2004, 08:22 pm »

You're starting over with new speakers and amps. Give both a try (a good one, for a few months). If you find yourself disappointed, you have still gained an experience and the 2nd hand value of the Stratos is good so just sell them again.

Good luck!

Ferdi (Who isn't selling his Stratos)

Hantra · « **Reply #5 on:** 24 Jan 2004, 10:23 pm »

Quote from: Eduardo AAVM

Maybe you didn't let the amp to burn for sooo many hours, Hantra...

They had hundreds, and possibly thousands of hours on them, and these were monoblocks.

I'm not saying they sound bad. I am just saying it would be a giant step backwards from the DNA.

B

jackman · « **Reply #6 on:** 24 Jan 2004, 10:31 pm »

Quote

They had hundreds, and possibly thousands of hours on them, and these were monoblocks.

I'm not saying they sound bad. I am just saying it would be a giant step backwards from the DNA.

B

Only hundreds or thousands? Aha! Have you tried millions?

Just kidding. I'd say just try to get someone in your area who has a stratos and try it on your system. If you like it, buy it. There are a lot of them in the market so, unless you live in a remote area, they shouldn't be hard to find. Heck, Odyssey has a 30 day trial. That shoudl be long enough to give you a good idea on how it sounds in your system.

J

rosconey · « **Reply #7 on:** 24 Jan 2004, 10:46 pm »

i agree with jackman

cant believe i said that

i have standard and extreme monos,he might like the extremes-more control and tighness than standard monos.

fishwater · « **Reply #8 on:** 25 Jan 2004, 12:02 am »

I really didn't want to sell my DNA but the offer was really good. I figure it the same way if I buy used, I can always sell used gear for a fair price. I was curious if it is a step forward or backward, thanks for the info.

Val · « **Reply #9 on:** 28 Jan 2004, 09:04 pm »

I respect Hantra's opinions but this time he stands almost alone against many others, including J. Peter Moncrieff of IAR, the guy who put Odyssey on the high-end horizon and who also happens to like McCormack amps.

Another Odyssey advantage (cheaper than McCormack's) is the possibility of big bang for the buck upgrades.

F-100 · « **Reply #10 on:** 28 Jan 2004, 09:59 pm »

In terms of performance and customer service, you get an awful lot for the money. Give them a try, you got nothing to loose ...

Good Luck,

F-100 (Who isn't selling his Stratos nor his Tempest

)

klaus@odyssey · « **Reply #11 on:** 1 Feb 2004, 08:13 am »

Don't have too much time for this crap here. Anyway, no, it's not break in. Brad's system was apparently a mismatch with the amps, and h went to expensive tubes better suited for his system. Guess what, ??? That happens.

As for the McCormack's, yeah right. When I started the Stratos, I borrowed a .5 and 1.0 from a dealer friend of mine. Since then, I also bought !!!! a 225 last year ( and resold it for the same $$$ a couple of months later, which I do a lot to keep somewhat on my toes to see what's going on. Actually, in 2000 I have had a total of 14 !!!!!!!!!! FOURTEEN !!!! different amps in my system over a period of 6-8 weeks or so to see where i should position myself on the market. The last time I hav done serious multi unit listening was in the fall for teh digital amps)

I like the .5 and teh 1.0 and I hav some real respect for Steve. he's one of the few "old-timers that endured and who went for what they believe in. One of the good guys in audio. They are very good amps, and I can see that in some instances and for some tastes that are more geared towards detail, th units will be favored. However, if you really want to get an amp that is on par with the stratos, and where it gets to be a street fight, go with the 225. Excellent amp, and I can state all of the above, because I have actually listened to that in the same systems.

Late,

Klaus