Odyssey Stratos Vs. Belles 350A: Your Thoughts?

audiophile39 · « **on:** 11 Feb 2006, 05:51 am »

I'd appreciate your thoughts on how these two amplifiers compare and contrast with one another and, if possible, if you can say which one is superior overall, knowing there is a sizeable price difference. Thanks!

warnerwh · « **Reply #1 on:** 11 Feb 2006, 06:31 am »

I'd consider what speakers you'll be driving. Also how much power do you need? They're both excellent amps I'm sure but sometimes synergy with a speaker can play a large role in the decision. It's possible that the Belles won't sound as good to you with your speakers if you had them both there now. I'd like the Belles 350a to try myself and would choose it if money were no object. The Odyssey amp will serve well with most speakers. Also if your speakers aren't extremely revealing it's tough to tell the difference between amps sometimes.

dangerbird · « **Reply #2 on:** 11 Feb 2006, 08:27 pm »

I prefer the belles 350a,dead quiet,excellent soundstage,great low end,,and trouble free,although I have not heard the odyssey, I understand that you will have a hard time obtaining a better amp for the money

ooheadsoo · « **Reply #3 on:** 11 Feb 2006, 10:08 pm »

I haven't heard the Belles, but you could say the same thing about the Stratos

zybar · « **Reply #4 on:** 11 Feb 2006, 11:19 pm »

Quote from: ooheadsoo

I haven't heard the Belles, but you could say the same thing about the Stratos

If you had heard both you wouldn't make such a statement.

The Ref 350A is more refined, has better texture, passes more detail, and is overall a much more complete amp.

The Odyssey is good, but not in the same class as the Ref 350A.

George

ooheadsoo · « **Reply #5 on:** 12 Feb 2006, 05:38 am »

Quote from: zybar

Quote from: ooheadsoo
I haven't heard the Belles, but you could say the same thing about the Stratos

If you had heard both you wouldn't make such a statement.

The Ref 350A is more refined, has better texture, passes more detail, and is overall a much more complete amp.

The Odyssey is good, but not in the same class as the Ref 350A.

George

That statement is more clear because it makes reference to both amps, but without a frame of reference, the same comments could apply to both amps.

That was my point.

djbnh · « **Reply #6 on:** 12 Feb 2006, 12:38 pm »

Is the Belles in the price range of the Statos, or in the price range of a pair of Extreme Monos?

zybar · « **Reply #7 on:** 12 Feb 2006, 12:44 pm »

Quote from: djbnh

Is the Belles in the price range of the Statos, or in the price range of a pair of Extreme Monos?

Nope.

The Belles Ref 350A stereo amp goes for $4,000.

The Startos goes for $1200 in stock form.

I think a pair of Extreme Monos is around $2800.

George