[DogWizard]

There have been a couple of pairs of Khartago Mono's listed in the Trading Post recently and given my outstanding order with Klaus, I'm a bit concerned. Is there something I should know about these amps? I ordered having never heard them before so I'm curious if this is performance related, preference related, or just random coincidence? It's been quiet around here so I really haven't been able to pick up any more information than I had when I ordered...

Any input?

Thanks,
-Dogwizard

[Brad]

I would think it's just normal equipment 'churn'.
We go through a lot of gear here, for some reason......

Even the best, highest rated gear may not be a match for someone's tastes or system

[TheChairGuy]

DogWizard,

I was one that sold my Khartago Mono's.

My opinion is that they offer the best value today in solid state amps.  I owned a few, heard many more...but none came close to providing what they do for less than $2000 retail.  I think they are better values than the Stratos' as they significantly equal their performance in more cost effective casing.

My room is but 12 x 15' - monstrously powerful amps like Khartago Mono's aren't really needed (but are nice  ).  However, my tastes have changes to more jazz and classical as I age and I am using tube amplifiers now. To me, they reproduce piano and strings more pleasantly. I thought the regular stereo Khartago to be sooo good that I ordered the Mono's within a week of buying them...after churning thru many in hopes of what I was looking for.

Perhaps, they are adding just a large measure of 'artificial' sweetness that isn't really provided by the Khartago Mono's (or, any SS amps).....but it's just more pleasant to me.

My Khartago's were my last stop on the solid state amp train...and a great one at that.  It is only because my listening habits have changes that I sold mine.

I can't speak for any others, but that's my truth.  Klaus makes great amps at very affordable prices and backs them up with class-leading service and amazing 20 year warranties (and as he's both still a young-ish guy and busy, Odyssey will likely be around in 20 years to take care of them  )

Don't bother PM'ing me for the real story, 'cause what's stated here is it 

John / TCG

There have been a couple of pairs of Khartago Mono's listed in the Trading Post recently and given my outstanding order with Klaus, I'm a bit concerned. Is there something I should know about these amps? I ordered having never heard them before so I'm curious if this is performance related, preference related, or just random coincidence? It's been quiet around here so I really haven't been able to pick up any more information than I had when I ordered...

Any input?

Thanks,
-Dogwizard

[Woodsea]

I can attest to ChairGuys statement, he told me the same thing in a PM conversation just a few weeks ago.  The guy is just getting OLD

[DogWizard]

Thanks for chiming in everyone -  Given that I have heard nothing but excellent things about these, I was hoping that it was just a preference issue but seeing three pairs up in as many weeks made me start to wonder...

I am currently running tubes as well and really like the sound. The Odyssey gear will be my first serious experiment with good SS amplification and when paired with a Candela pre, I hope to recreate 90% of the tube sound with the punch of solid state - wish me luck!

Thanks again,
-Dogwizard

[TheChairGuy]

I can attest to ChairGuys statement, he told me the same thing in a PM conversation just a few weeks ago.  The guy is just getting OLD

Sadly, 'tis true Woodsea 

Luckily, I am aging rather gracefully in comparison to most of my fellow 43 year olds - good diet, ample sunshine and exercise and choice supplements help greatly 

[lazydays]

Thanks for chiming in everyone -  Given that I have heard nothing but excellent things about these, I was hoping that it was just a preference issue but seeing three pairs up in as many weeks made me start to wonder...

I am currently running tubes as well and really like the sound. The Odyssey gear will be my first serious experiment with good SS amplification and when paired with a Candela pre, I hope to recreate 90% of the tube sound with the punch of solid state - wish me luck!

Thanks again,
-Dogwizard

I have no idea what a Kartango amp sounds like, but if it sounds like the Stratos monos your no going tobe dissappointed. The amp really dosn't have the typical "tinny" solid state sound, and would put it closer to the Accuphase house sound. The real difference between the solid state amps he sells and tubes is speed and slam in the bass. Should you compare a Krell with these amps you will notice a little edgyness in the Krell with things being somewhat sharper, or maybe just a little bright (I'm thinking a little too bright). Where as the Accuphase will seem kinda laid back (it's not), and less noticable. This is what I felt that I got with my mono extremes. But the difference between the monos and Accuphase is warmth. Maybe a sound that sorta blooms. Tubes seem to project warmth. There is no real sweet spot with them, but the whole spectrum is warm and lush. The monos seem tobe headed in that direction, but are able to project individuallities in the music better.
    Tubes don't do everything well, but I'll be the first person to tell you that I like the sound of tubes. I think it's far more important to have tubed sources than to have a tubed amp. A tubed preamp driving those Kartangos would make your hair stand up. Just as good is a good tubed CD player.
gary

[George]

You say Kartango, I say Khartago...

[lazydays]

You say Kartango, I say Khartago...

well I always knew I couldn't spell!
gary

[Lkdog]

Dogwizard-

I just ordered an Odyssey Dual Mono amp.
I needed one enclosure and the dual mono was the highest up the food chain
I could go.
I am going strictly on reviews and discussions with others.

Odyssey amps sell easily on the used market if you don't like it.
I am pairing with an Audio Mirror PP1 tube preamp.
I did a lot of research and Odyssey is the route I chose for a SS amp.
I am guessing you will be quite happy.

[Arlequen]

I own Tempest and Stratos since march 2001 and never turned off (spring - summer - autumn - winter) from the day I turned on
They work daily not less than 7/8 hours cos my TV audio passes from SkyTV decoder (satellite) --> Tempest --> Stratos --> Harbeth C7ES and they never failed to work 
I only burned bulb lamps to enlighten the Odyssey logo one year ago .. I called Klaus and he sent me some to replace since I didn'f find in Italy
That's all .. just to say probably I'm one of the best Odyssey Tester ..ehe
It should be interesting to try with Krell or Spectral or other acclaimed electronics if after a no-stop turned on 5 years they would be still working fine

meditate .. meditate .. ppl!

[lazydays]

Dogwizard-

I just ordered an Odyssey Dual Mono amp.
I needed one enclosure and the dual mono was the highest up the food chain
I could go.
I am going strictly on reviews and discussions with others.

Odyssey amps sell easily on the used market if you don't like it.
I am pairing with an Audio Mirror PP1 tube preamp.
I did a lot of research and Odyssey is the route I chose for a SS amp.
I am guessing you will be quite happy.

tell me about your preamp. I may replace the Conrad Johnson I have in the upstairs system sometime in the future. I'd just get another Candella, but need a tape loop.
gary

[Lkdog]

You can look at the specs on the Audio Mirror website for the PP1 (if you want a phono stage), or the T61 if you want a linstage only.
I just got the unit Friday and am getting it broke in now.
It was $899 new from Vlad at Audio mirror. The website lists it higher, but he sells them for $899.

Do a search on Audiogon and there are some user comments. Audio Mirror is quite well known for their DACs and
these preamps have gotten good user feedback.
Right now I have it paired with an older Parasound amp until I get my Odyssey Dual Monos.
I have to say I am quite pleased with it.
Vlad will put a tape loop on the unit if you wish-not sure of the charge for that.
I had him put a HT bypass on my unit. No tape loop.
The Candela sounds like it would be great, but was a out of my budget and the PP1 comes with a phono stage
that I needed. Klaus told me they have over 100 orders for the Candela in line.
Must be very nice.

Good Luck.

http://www.audiomirror.com/

[Lkdog]

I see he is running a new ad this week on AG.
Only $800.
Have to say that is a helluva deal.
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1171069746

Can't wait to hear it paired up with the Odyssey Dual Monos.

[Arlequen]

I see he is running a new ad this week on AG.
Only $800.

Very interesting price LKdog .. anyone here already tried this tube preamp?

[lazydays]

You can look at the specs on the Audio Mirror website for the PP1 (if you want a phono stage), or the T61 if you want a linstage only.
I just got the unit Friday and am getting it broke in now.
It was $899 new from Vlad at Audio mirror. The website lists it higher, but he sells them for $899.

Do a search on Audiogon and there are some user comments. Audio Mirror is quite well known for their DACs and
these preamps have gotten good user feedback.
Right now I have it paired with an older Parasound amp until I get my Odyssey Dual Monos.
I have to say I am quite pleased with it.
Vlad will put a tape loop on the unit if you wish-not sure of the charge for that.
I had him put a HT bypass on my unit. No tape loop.
The Candela sounds like it would be great, but was a out of my budget and the PP1 comes with a phono stage
that I needed. Klaus told me they have over 100 orders for the Candela in line.
Must be very nice.

Good Luck.

http://www.audiomirror.com/

you know I'd just pick up a used Tempest preamp, and put it in the system but my amps are tubed. And that's just not a good combo. There's nothing wrong with the CJ, but it's getting tobe a little old. Still it's near mint condition. Then again 6BM8 tubes are getting harder to find these days than they were five or six years ago. Used to buy the for five or six dollars a piece in matched pairs. Now some folks want twenty dollars a piece in matched pairs (they're just slightly greedy!). So I guess I could change out the amps as well, but the speakers are staying put (Soliloquys). So if you change out one thing in that system it may messed the whole works up.
gary