Hi everyone, I just joined after Klaus recommended this site.
I just received my Stratos amp (w/ 125K Cap upgrage) last Monday, 1/27. I've been running it pretty much 24/7 since then. I just leave on the tuner with the volume on low to medium levels. So far the sound has been pretty disapointing at levels somewhat above normal conversation levels w/ my CDP. The sound is harsh, glaring, muddied and indistinct. At what point does this improve? At lower levels it sounds fine, so far. I'm pretty frustrated as I was really looking forward to the amp getting here and listening to it. With all the praise heaped upon this unit in various sites around the internet, (audioreview, audiogon, etc.) I was expecting it to sound much better than this out of the box. I'm aware that some reviews and the manual mention a long break in. I'm willing to give this some more time. But jeez. Klaus gives everyone a 30 day money back guarantee, but I really didn't want to use this. I really want to like the amp.
In contrast, my 22 year old Hafler DH200 sounds great. It puts out tons of clean, grain free power. I wanted to upgrade my amp w/ some modern gear, plus I don't know how much longer the Hafler will last.
On the plus side, this amp is obviously of very high quality. The build quality is superb. I'm very impressed with its appearance and exterior appointments. It's so friggin' big!
If anyone has anything to say, I'm willing to listen. Thanks in advance for your feedback.