Integrated amp for $ 900. ????

klaus@odyssey · « **on:** 13 Sep 2004, 04:05 am »

Anybody interested in an integrated amp based on the Khartago / Stratos, line level, and for under $ 900 ? (still includes the $ 4,000 Symphonic Line amp design ) ???

Let me know,

Klaus

Red Dragon Audio · « **Reply #1 on:** 13 Sep 2004, 06:15 am »

Would it have a remote volume control?

alex_odyssey_sg · « **Reply #2 on:** 13 Sep 2004, 06:30 am »

YES! Absolutely! But do consider the following:

1) a pre-out (as standard or option) so that is an upgrade path.
2) remote (as option)

Any other ideas?

Alex

Brian · « **Reply #3 on:** 13 Sep 2004, 07:03 am »

One word: YES.

An intergrated Odyssey line sounds very interesting. No doubt in my mind that many people would like to have the Odyssey sound in a single unit.

I agree with Alex that it would be nice to have a pre-out so you can upgrade. Instead of just using the pre-section when upgrading, I think it would be cool if you could use the power-section as a mono-block, upgrading with another monoblock. Why don't use power you have already paid for.

Brian

amartincool · « **Reply #4 on:** 13 Sep 2004, 07:11 am »

YES, here in Spain would have an excellent support. sure...

Remote option
Pre-out, do not know if only for upgrade to monoblocks Well, this integrated amplifier would have an pasive or active preamplifier section??
I guess an integrated more expensive but with the sound of an active preamplifier would be great too.

doug s. · « **Reply #5 on:** 13 Sep 2004, 12:25 pm »

Quote from: alex_odyssey_sg

YES! Absolutely! But do consider the following:

1) a pre-out (as standard or option) so that is an upgrade path.
2) remote (as option)

Any other ideas?

Alex

besides pre out, every integrated should also have a main input, imo. perfect set-up for bi-amping, subwoofing, etc..

doug s.

slurve · « **Reply #6 on:** 13 Sep 2004, 12:50 pm »

YES! Remote would be key though.

JCP

odysseyhk · « **Reply #7 on:** 13 Sep 2004, 02:09 pm »

I think Klaus is trying to combine a passive preamp (like the Etesian) to Khartago or Stratos.

If that is the case, I think a pre-out is not that important in this case.

I think it is more important to have AV bypass option for 2 purposes
1/ Of course, for real AV Bypass
2/ for use it as a power amp, e.g. when upgrade to use Tempest pre-amp.

I agree Remote control option will be useful.

Eduardo AAVM · « **Reply #8 on:** 13 Sep 2004, 06:52 pm »

Hey Klaus, savior of the audiophiles on a budget and if this is true for US and G-8 countries it is even more and more great for countries like mine.

Go ahead Klaus, yes I consider a pre out and then a remote control something very good.

Go ahead...

Eduardo AAVM · « **Reply #9 on:** 13 Sep 2004, 06:55 pm »

Well Barry is right, it all depends on what are you planning but if it is the same SL design maybe is an active... the full license to build the whole thing togheter and not separate.

Tha AV is also a must.

But what chassis would you use ?

I hope you'll use the Stratos one it is impressive.

Beezer · « **Reply #10 on:** 13 Sep 2004, 09:44 pm »

Optional phono section.

Beez

Wombat_VC · « **Reply #11 on:** 14 Sep 2004, 01:58 am »

Must have at least 5 line inputs, with one of them the AV bypass.

If it's a passive preamp section, it would be good to have a preamp -> power amp loop, so that I can plug in my MF X-10 v3 if I want to.

Musky_Don · « **Reply #12 on:** 14 Sep 2004, 02:02 am »

Klaus - I'd rather see you spend your time on the high end. Seems to me that trying to compete in the integrated market is a difficult sell - too many players with large marketing/distribution channels. I'm sure whatever you put together would be very favorable compared to competition in the price/what you actually get aspect, but IMHO, this is a tough market. Again IMHO, and no offense intended but many folks in the $900 'integrated' range may rather have a Denon 380? with all the HT bells and whistles. I believe your amps (and in most respects the Tempest) are truly special - since you asked - I have no interest in an integrated product - as a customer, I'd like to see your focus on your base.

Best regards,

Don

KarlDL · « **Reply #13 on:** 14 Sep 2004, 03:34 am »

A year ago, this would have been of immediate and personal interest. But not with the upper part of the Odyssey product range now on hand or on the way. This could be attractive as gift(s) for special family members at special times, though. And for an office application if I ever stop being a road warrior and have an adequately-sized office.

Long after their production ended, the Acurus DIAs sell well on the used market (bought a DIA-100 for one of my sons). So I would expect there to be a market for such a product. The price point seems right. It might find popularity in office, den, and other "secondary" applications where physical space and/or WAF considerations dictate compact size.

But it is a still a boutique item ... the masses go for the HT products with all the bells & whistles, at similar price points.

Karl

Boots · « **Reply #14 on:** 14 Sep 2004, 06:10 am »

If so, would be nice to include the tuner part too!

That would really be an all-in-one.

amartincool · « **Reply #15 on:** 14 Sep 2004, 06:12 am »

I do not think integated is same than medium fidelity
There are integrated amplifiers in the highend market in europe, small size rooms in europe make sometime people think in integrated.

IMO is a idea to consider seriously, but, I would like an active preamplifier in the pre section because the rich sound tempest does.

Eduardo AAVM · « **Reply #16 on:** 14 Sep 2004, 07:09 am »

I think Musky Don has a point, also the Khartago+Etesian go for few more dollars.

And one thing is true, there is not much a central issue or couple of issues to build the amp around based on the thread suggestions as everybody asks for differente things, interesting ones for sure, but that maybe shows that for an integrated the market is more complicated to please.

Unless Herr Bunge as always has a fifth AS under the sleeve.

Regarding the point that for 900 USD many folks would better take a Denon or a "bells and whistles" product maybe you are right but anyway Odyssey is not a mass product as always those searching for higher SOUND quality would be the interested ones.

I think that a Jolida JD1501RC could be a good reference point.

Brian · « **Reply #17 on:** 14 Sep 2004, 09:43 am »

Quote from: Eduardo AAVM

Regarding the point that for 900 USD many folks would better take a Denon or a "bells and whistles" product maybe you are right but anyway Odyssey is not a mass product as always those searching for higher SOUND quality would be the interested ones

I agree that some people may take Denon, sony etc, but at least in Denmark, many people are making a move "back" from Surround to stereo and asking for affordable "high-end" integrated products like the Densen, Thule and Primare. These would in my opion be the competitors to a Odyssey Integrated amp.

amartincool · « **Reply #18 on:** 14 Sep 2004, 09:53 am »

Exactly

Quote

many people are making a move "back" from Surround to stereo and asking for affordable "high-end" integrated products like the Densen, Thule and Primare

And also

unison Research unico.
YBA integre
Emitter II
Trivistas and KW500 of Musical Fidelity

Eduardo AAVM · « **Reply #19 on:** 14 Sep 2004, 03:55 pm »

Quote from: Brian

I agree that some people may take Denon, sony etc, but at least in Denmark, many people are making a move "back" from Surround to stereo and asking for affordable "high-end" integrated products like the Densen, Thule and Primare. These would in my opion be the competitors to a Odyssey Integrated amp.

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.