[F-100]

I believe the Khartago is due out next month and the price is $750.
See Klaus comment here:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=4404&highlight=khartago


For pictures of the Khartago amp and Etesian preamp, you can see it here:
http://shows.soundstagelive.com/shows/avtour2003/mtl_showstop2.shtml

No, I haven't heard the Khartago yet. But from my experience with other Odyssey products (Stratos, DM Stratos and Tempest), the quality and service will speak for itself.

[jackman]

I haven't tried the Kartago, but for a couple bucks more, I'd have to take a look at the AVA Omegastar 240.  I auditioned a larger Omegastar and it was VERY powerful and refined.  It was an all solid-state design but sounded very smooth and dynamic.  For $899, it would be hard to beat.

Maybe we can do an amp comparison with the new hybrid Fetvalve 550ex soon.  I just got mine back a couple weeks ago and really like the sound.  It's got a bit of the smoothness of a tube amp with the drive of a good SS design.  

http://www.avahifi.com/root/equipment/amplifier/omegastar_240.htm

Jman

[F-100]

Jackman,
  AVA Omegastar have some nice products in their lineup. If I wasn't happy with my DM Stratos, I would look into the Omegastar without any hesitation.

  Just for curiosity on the LeAmp II, why is there so many people here waiting to be the first guinea pig? Is it the low introductory price? What if the LeAmp II turn out to be a dud? Would you be throwing $400+ down the drain?

[Dozer]

I'm with ETR all the way!  

I believe vendors who leverage the publicity and word-of-mouth marketing of the internet have to honor the two edged sword.  

I think it's BS to call it LeAmpII when it's not designed by the same person.  There's a leveraging of Curt's rep that is downright misleading.  The late delivery is icing on the cake but I don't have any on order so I don't care.

But I think MB has long since decided that his customers can go F themselves... they're not all grateful enough that he hasn't taken any money out of the company and all that BS.

And I haven't used the n word here - and I'll match ETRs pledge not to use the n word evermore.  

Enjoy your amps.

[doug s.]

yust a suggestion - buy a pair of these:

from art's website:

SLA1 - Power Amplifier Overview
 The SLA-1 Studio Linear Amplifier is a robust yet compact power amplifier designed for studio and even live applications. It has been designed and engineered to provide clean, quiet power and excellent sound with ultra-low noise and distortion.
The SLA-1 is rated at 100 watts rms/channel @ 8 ohms (130 watts rms/channel @ 4 ohms and 260 Watts/Bridged Mono @ 8 ohms), with hum and noise >100dB, and has an input impedance of 22k ohm unbalanced (44k ohm balanced). It features a Toroidal Transformer, XLR & ¼" Inputs, Ground Lift Switch, Fan Cooled Design, Power, Clip, Signal and Protect LEDs, one IU Spacing and a frequency response of 10 Hz to 40 kHz within 1dB.

It also features an input sensitivity of 1V for rated power into 8 ohms, and silent SmartFan cooling and custom convection heat radiating fins. The SLA-1 is perfect for professional, project and home studios, and is an excellent compliment to the new ART SLM-1 Studio Linear Monitors.

The SLA-1 is a powerful, compact amplifier, and its rugged, steel chassis is designed for years of durable and reliable use.

The SLA-1 features a three-year warranty.


will cost <$400, from a place like:
http://64.213.162.194/Products/pages/8562/index.fcml

http://www.artroch.com/

doug s.

[HarleyMYK]

Several months ago, when the first delay happened with the Le Amp II, I did buy an SLA-1 for about $190 shipped.  It has allowed me to put my living room system together and try out some different items.  I don't have anything to compare the SLA-1 to, except some receivers, but I am really glad that I got it during the wait for the Le Amp IIs.