My "put" is here:
http://www.audioreview.com/Preamplifiers/Odyssey+Audio/PRD_125287_1591crx.aspxReview Date
February 6, 2004
Overall Rating
5 of 5
Value Rating
5 of 5
Used product for
3 Months to 1 year
Visitors rate this review
5 of 5, 4 votes
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Reviewed by: bald1, AudioPhile
Price Paid: $950 at Odyssey Audio
Product Model Year:
2003
Summary:
First here's a link to my complete system description which will provide the reader with an understanding of both what other components I use and what my philosophy has been in terms of assembling and modifying my music reproduction systems over the last few decades.
http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/320.htmlWith sources including vinyl (very low moving coil cartridges), reel and cassette decks, CD player, FM-AM tuner, and satellite digital feed in my system, the preamplifier is a critical component for both switching and feeding a bi-amped, subwoofer augmented planar speaker set up. Deleterious charateristics in a preamp would severely impact the purity of the sound the whole system produces. So when I decided that further repairs and tweaks to my 23 year old pre were not viable I sought out a replacement unit that would provide flexible source switching, handle 0.2mV output phono cartridges, possess neutral yet extended sonic characteristics, and be backed by a solid warranty and excellent customer service.
I did not limit my search for a new preamp to active units, looking at passive offerings as well. A proven design with an established track record of stable problem-free performance was also a factor in my quest.
Passive designs I ultimately ruled out because of the wide variance in my source component output voltages. Several would not be able to full drive my pair of stereo amplifiers without active preamplification. Many of the active designs required an outboard phono stage which I sought to avoid for convenience. That said if a preamp with a built-in phono stage evidenced compromises in performance it was immediately ruled out. I finally came down to a short list of about a half dozen units. One in particular, the Odyssey Tempest preamplifier which is the same as the Symphonic Line SL RG2 Mk3 preamp sold in Europe, differing from the Tempest only in front panel and knobs, met every requirement I had established. I bought it and have not looked back since -:)
Strengths:
The Tempest possesses some amazing strengths. Very extended tight bass, extremely delicate and detailed highs, solid sure-feeling selector switching, non-audible noise floor, and a superb phono stage. For my ears it evidences the best characteristics of both valve and solid state designs which no doubt some reading this will give cause for pause. There is a slight tube-like warmth to the wide range sonics which synergizes exceptionally well with my Magneplanar system.
Mine was delivered with dual output jacks. Other options to include a remote volume control exist.
Weaknesses:
Honestly, and I know this is hackneyed in many reviews, but I have found absolutely no weaknesses with this preamplifier. I does everything I want and adds nothing I don't.
Similar Products Used:
Over the last 3 decades plus I owned or have auditioned myriad pres ranging from DIY units like the Marshall Leach Low-TIM to Conrad-Johnson, Bryston, Apt-Holman, and more esoteric pieces. The unit I just retired was extensively A-B'ed with an Apt Holman way back when before I selected it in a final evaluation. If you looked at that link I provided in the introductory passage you'll know I'm not one to embrace the current audio darling nor to push the envelope into the diminishing returns arena. I seek outstanding performance which also provides a sensible bang for the buck. The Tempest delivers all that and more. There have been a number of recent "shoot outs" of preamps of both passive and active designs which included the Tempest. Each of these enthusiasts' comparisons has reinforced the validity of my own conclusions, not that they mean that much to me given how pleased I have been with my Tempest. But they serve to provide those contemplating a new preamplifier acquisition with a conscensus of opinion that the Tempest is most worthy of very serious consideration. Add to the performance and value inherent in the unit, the exceptional customer service and support Klaus Bunge of Odyssey Audio provides and you have an additional factor that is difficult to place a monetary value on.
As an aside after owning this Odyssey Audio product I also decided to purchase a pair of their Stratos Monoblock amps to replace an aging vintage Dyna stereo amp. A review of the Monoblocks will also be posted.
--Bob
