[bigred7078]

Hey all. I've been shadowing here for a little bit and doind some reading. Seems like alot of people here have some pretty high end systems, kudos to you.

Anyway, i have been interested in Odyssey for some time. My system currently includes...

Speakers:
Vienna Acoustic Mozart Grands (Left/Right)
Vienna Acoustc Maestro Grand (center)
Emotiva ERD-1's.

Processor and Amps:
Marantz SR6003
Emotiva RPA-1
Emotiva XPA-3

I guess im wondering how the Emotiva RPA-1 and Odyssey Stratos compare. I currently love my RPA-1, but of course i have to wonder...Can it get better? Any advice or input?  Also are the Stratos class A?

[pfradale]

Stratos are not Class-A; they are A-B as far as  I know. I've not heard the Emotiva so I cannot help you there.  I can say that my Mono extremes are sweet.

[Steve Mac]

The Odyssey Stratos, according to the web page specs is Class A/AB.
According to what Klaus told me, the Stratos is Class A for the first 35-40 watts and
then it transitions to class AB above that.

[anodyne]

A little off topic, but have you given any thought to a Candela pre?  Right now I'm running video stuff through a Rotel 1057 and using it's pre-outs into the ht bypass on the candela then to my Butler TDB2250 amp.  The candela was designed to be used with solid state amps and you  may really like the combo.  Previous to getting the Candela I was just using my rotel and the butler and everything really opened up with the Candela instead of using the receiver section as a pre.  Just a thought.

[mbriggs]

Does anyone know how I would get my Odyssey Stratos amp fixed? It's got a bad left channel. I've tried calling the number on the website (317-299-5578) as well as sending email to odav@odysseyaudio.com, support@odysseyaudio.com, and get no response. It's supposed to have a 20 year warranty.

[anodyne]

Does anyone know how I would get my Odyssey Stratos amp fixed? It's got a bad left channel. I've tried calling the number on the website (317-299-5578) as well as sending email to odav@odysseyaudio.com, support@odysseyaudio.com, and get no response. It's supposed to have a 20 year warranty.

mbriggs.  I talked to Klaus earlier in the week.  You've got the right phone#.  I've heard sometimes it's easier to get a hold of him if you call in the evening.  Don't worry about the warranty.  Klaus stands behind his product like no one else I've encountered and will get things taken care of I'm sure.  Just keep trying.

[ArtilleryofSound]

Hey all. I've been shadowing here for a little bit and doind some reading. Seems like alot of people here have some pretty high end systems, kudos to you.

Anyway, i have been interested in Odyssey for some time. My system currently includes...

Speakers:
Vienna Acoustic Mozart Grands (Left/Right)
Vienna Acoustc Maestro Grand (center)
Emotiva ERD-1's.

Processor and Amps:
Marantz SR6003
Emotiva RPA-1
Emotiva XPA-3

I guess im wondering how the Emotiva RPA-1 and Odyssey Stratos compare. I currently love my RPA-1, but of course i have to wonder...Can it get better? Any advice or input?  Also are the Stratos class A?

I've heard the RPA-1 and 2 and can confidently say they are much more musical than the Odyssey Stratos Extremes and various Khartago models I have previously owned.  The RPA-2 sounds better than anything Klaus makes, period. 

Furthemore, Klaus's amps tend to break down and getting them fixed is often difficult because Odyssey is just a one man operation and almost never around.  That being said, if you have the patience to wait around with no amps and maybe more than one try to find a fix, then go buy one of his amps. 

On the other hand, Emotiva gear is made like a rock with tons of quality control. 

[ArtilleryofSound]

Does anyone know how I would get my Odyssey Stratos amp fixed? It's got a bad left channel. I've tried calling the number on the website (317-299-5578) as well as sending email to odav@odysseyaudio.com, support@odysseyaudio.com, and get no response. It's supposed to have a 20 year warranty.

Call the number after 3pm, Klaus doesn't get up till about then.  He's the epitome of a night owl.  He doesn't really answer email or voice mail.

[golfugh]

I've heard the RPA-1 and 2 and can confidently say they are much more musical than the Odyssey Stratos Extremes and various Khartago models I have previously owned.  The RPA-2 sounds better than anything Klaus makes, period. 

Furthemore, Klaus's amps tend to break down and getting them fixed is often difficult because Odyssey is just a one man operation and almost never around.  That being said, if you have the patience to wait around with no amps and maybe more than one try to find a fix, then go buy one of his amps. 

On the other hand, Emotiva gear is made like a rock with tons of quality control. 

I'm not going to slam your Emotiva gear, but the slam on Klaus/Odyssey is uncalled for!!! 

[ArtilleryofSound]

I've heard the RPA-1 and 2 and can confidently say they are much more musical than the Odyssey Stratos Extremes and various Khartago models I have previously owned.  The RPA-2 sounds better than anything Klaus makes, period. 

Furthemore, Klaus's amps tend to break down and getting them fixed is often difficult because Odyssey is just a one man operation and almost never around.  That being said, if you have the patience to wait around with no amps and maybe more than one try to find a fix, then go buy one of his amps. 

On the other hand, Emotiva gear is made like a rock with tons of quality control. 

I'm not going to slam your Emotiva gear, but the slam on Klaus/Odyssey is uncalled for!!! 

Really?  I wouldn't call it a slam?  I was a very dedicated customer to Odyssey audio and have given Klaus over $5K over the years.  I believe I have an informed opinion with very constructive criticism.  I respect your opinion, but I also believe you should check your fan boy tendencies at the door.

Also, I invite you to read the other posts in this thread.  It seems they would also agree that despite a 20 year warranty, it's hard to get any warranty work done.

[golfugh]

Nothing you stated was constructive criticism.

Fan boy, no!

I personally have no respect for someone who slams a manufacturer in their own forum.

With that I'm done

[BobC]

The RPA-2 sounds better than anything Klaus makes, period. 

Furthemore, Klaus's amps tend to break down and getting them fixed is often difficult because Odyssey is just a one man operation and almost never around.  That being said, if you have the patience to wait around with no amps and maybe more than one try to find a fix, then go buy one of his amps. 
 

Not trying to pick a fight here, but those are some bold statements.  While I've never heard anything from Emotiva...I'd clarify your Odyssey experience as I know Klaus offers a wide range of products and product versions.  For example my Mono Extreme SE's sound better since their relatively affordable upgrade.  So to be fair, does Emotiva offer an upgrade path?  (I don't know)

While I have had a small issue or two, they've all been resolved to my satisfaction.  In general I can say my Odyssey gear has been very reliable.  I wouldn't count blown fuses or ground loop interference as being broken.  Keep in mind I originally bought my amps used and have had Klaus update them (very few equipment vendors will do that!). Whenever I had Klaus do work on my gear (upgrades) I've found the turn around time to be as advertised (+/- a few days, maybe a week)....the trick is to talk with him before you ship so you can get into the queue at the right time (again, try doing that with other equipment vendors).  Last, he's not a 1 man show...there's 3 I think.   

Different strokes for different folks.  But just thought I'd offer a clarifying opinion.

[soundbitten1]

I've heard the RPA-1 and 2 and can confidently say they are much more musical than the Odyssey Stratos Extremes and various Khartago models I have previously owned.  The RPA-2 sounds better than anything Klaus makes, period. 

Furthemore, Klaus's amps tend to break down and getting them fixed is often difficult because Odyssey is just a one man operation and almost never around.  That being said, if you have the patience to wait around with no amps and maybe more than one try to find a fix, then go buy one of his amps. 

On the other hand, Emotiva gear is made like a rock with tons of quality control. 

I'm not going to slam your Emotiva gear, but the slam on Klaus/Odyssey is uncalled for!!! 

Really?  I wouldn't call it a slam?  I was a very dedicated customer to Odyssey audio and have given Klaus over $5K over the years.  I believe I have an informed opinion with very constructive criticism.  I respect your opinion, but I also believe you should check your fan boy tendencies at the door.

Since you don't have any fan boy tendencies of your own let's hear your constructive criticism of Emotiva gear .

[ArtilleryofSound]

Nothing you stated was constructive criticism.

Fan boy, no!

I personally have no respect for someone who slams a manufacturer in their own forum.

With that I'm done

I personally have no respect for someone who believes someone competing for someone's dollar is not open to criticism in a forum they avail themselves to on a daily basis.  Seems to me that this is the exact right place to voice any concerns or experiences.  My Emotiva vs. Odyssey gear is not fact, but just an opinion which I stand by.  

As for Klaus not being around often, that's a fact.  He sleeps late (not judging).  Voice mail is often full.  The only emails he's ever responded to me were ones where I either wanted to buy his gear or sell it on Audiogon.  

Sometimes, the truth sucks, but my Odyssey experience is my own and worth considering if someone wants and informed opinion.  

If you want a real list of grips let me be more blunt:

Klaus delivered my amps without topcovers.  Did not receive them for weeks later.  
The bass amps he made me were not uniform and obviously made of reused parts.  Which he admitted to doing.
One of the top amps had a screw broken off inside, which held the top cover on.  He also admitted to this but said it was not a big deal.  (Is this someone who takes pride in his work?)
At one point I received 3 of 4 topcovers for my amps.  When I finally received the 4th I learned the screws for the 4th were different that the other three amps and could not be used.  So, I went to the hardware store to buy my own screws because Klaus wouldn't get back to me.  

I could say more, but I have neither time nor the inclination.  As for constructive criticism, perhaps Klaus should consider stepping up his quality control else get stomped by companies like Emotiva who produce a better and cheaper product from China.

[ArtilleryofSound]

I've heard the RPA-1 and 2 and can confidently say they are much more musical than the Odyssey Stratos Extremes and various Khartago models I have previously owned.  The RPA-2 sounds better than anything Klaus makes, period. 

Furthemore, Klaus's amps tend to break down and getting them fixed is often difficult because Odyssey is just a one man operation and almost never around.  That being said, if you have the patience to wait around with no amps and maybe more than one try to find a fix, then go buy one of his amps. 

On the other hand, Emotiva gear is made like a rock with tons of quality control. 

I'm not going to slam your Emotiva gear, but the slam on Klaus/Odyssey is uncalled for!!! 

Really?  I wouldn't call it a slam?  I was a very dedicated customer to Odyssey audio and have given Klaus over $5K over the years.  I believe I have an informed opinion with very constructive criticism.  I respect your opinion, but I also believe you should check your fan boy tendencies at the door.

Since you don't have any fan boy tendencies of your own let's hear your constructive criticism of Emotiva gear .

I sold my Emotiva gear.  The RPA-2 didn't have the dynamics of the XPA-2, but the XPA-2 was not quiet enough for the 100 Db efficiency of my Emerald Physics CS2s.  So, although I had initially run from D Class amps based on my experience with the Bel Canto S300, which Odyssey and Emotiva both best, I went back to D Class and found the Wyred4Sound amps had the dynamics and the low noise floor that I was looking for.  If I had a little more cash, I would have gone complete Red Dragon monos, but in the end I could not justify the diminishing returns. 

Emotiva provides the most for your money compared to W4S or Odyssey.  But, I had a little more money to spend and wanted the extra benefits W4S offered my particular system configuration. 

The RPA-2 was a very musical amp with a more laid back presentation which Odyssey also shoots for, but for me the RPA-2 was more detailed and provided a better sense of musical pace.  The XPA-2 is a helluva musical amp if you like rock and metal but I think people who listen to jazz or blues or classical might be left wanting.  Also I think the XPA-2 raises the gain in a manner that might make people think they are hearing better sound when they are not.  Kinda like what they are doing on Pop CDs today.   

Finally, I'll add that Klaus's amp lay out is clean and simple which is exactly what any audiophile wants to see.  By contrast, Emotiva loads thier amps with tons of stuff that makes the interior look like a Best Buy Yamaha Receiver on the inside.  That being said, Emotiva makes great sounding stuff, so I guess the proof is in the pudding. 

Any other questions?

[Rapt]

......

[ArtilleryofSound]

Rapt said this above to which I am responding before he deleted it and left dots, "I was also going to slam you for coming on this forum and disrespecting Klaus and his gear, but if the above is true... I thank you for the info.."

If you want a real list of grips let me be more blunt:

Klaus delivered my amps without topcovers.  Did not receive them for weeks later. 
The bass amps he made me were not uniform and obviously made of reused parts.  Which he admitted to doing.
One of the top amps had a screw broken off inside, which held the top cover on.  He also admitted to this but said it was not a big deal.  (Is this someone who takes pride in his work?)
At one point I received 3 of 4 topcovers for my amps.  When I finally received the 4th I learned the screws for the 4th were different that the other three amps and could not be used.  So, I went to the hardware store to buy my own screws because Klaus wouldn't get back to me. 

 I was also going to slam you for coming on this forum and disrespecting Klaus and his gear, but if the above is true... I thank you for the info..

Listen guys, I'm not trying to start a fight here by any means.  I purchased Klaus's products on two occasions despite having bad experiences both times.  Why?  Because his reputation as being great in customer service is exceptional.  All that I am saying is that was not at all my experience.  Sure, he made an effort to fix thing, but they were things that should never have been an issue in the first place. 

Also, I think we can all appreciate what it is like to drop a chunk of change on some quality equipment.  Wouldn't you want to be informed of both positive and negative experiences?  I wish someone would have said these things to me, perhaps I would have never wasted money the second time around.  Perhaps I would have not fallen for Klaus's affirmations that he would fix everything. 
 

[klaus@odyssey]

Very, very disappointing and interesting.

I'll have a lot to add here,  obviously,  and will do so tonight,  when I have some time here.

Late,

Klaus

[ArtilleryofSound]

Very, very disappointing and interesting.

I'll have a lot to add here,  obviously,  and will do so tonight,  when I have some time here.

Late,

Klaus

I look forward to it.  It would be nice to hear how you plan to explain away my bass amp just dying and having to be rebuilt twice.  Also, I'd like to know what your opinion is of giving me bass amps made with Frankenstein parts. 

If anyone needs visual evidence of any of my points made, please feel free request.  Out of respect for Klaus's own request and my own good will, I won't post them for the public. 

Finally, before many of you begin to rain down on me, consider this.  If I was out to get Klaus and give his product a bad name, then why have I not posted a negative review on audioreview.com, a site Klaus loves.  His amps almost always have 5/5 stars there.  This discussion and my part in it was only ever meant to be constructive. 

[lazydays]

I've heard the RPA-1 and 2 and can confidently say they are much more musical than the Odyssey Stratos Extremes and various Khartago models I have previously owned.  The RPA-2 sounds better than anything Klaus makes, period. 

Furthemore, Klaus's amps tend to break down and getting them fixed is often difficult because Odyssey is just a one man operation and almost never around.  That being said, if you have the patience to wait around with no amps and maybe more than one try to find a fix, then go buy one of his amps. 

On the other hand, Emotiva gear is made like a rock with tons of quality control. 

I'm not going to slam your Emotiva gear, but the slam on Klaus/Odyssey is uncalled for!!! 

Really?  I wouldn't call it a slam?  I was a very dedicated customer to Odyssey audio and have given Klaus over $5K over the years.  I believe I have an informed opinion with very constructive criticism.  I respect your opinion, but I also believe you should check your fan boy tendencies at the door.

Also, I invite you to read the other posts in this thread.  It seems they would also agree that despite a 20 year warranty, it's hard to get any warranty work done.

I managed to go thru two amps at the sametime. I was sorta reluctant about going inside them, and Klaus handled the problem from the get go. I had them back and powered up in about seven days. I don't care where the posts are made, if there's one thing everybody agrees on about Klaus Bunge; it's the way he stands behind his product line. I've called him at ten oclock in the evening when I looked like I was in for a problem, and he was there to coach me right thru the errors of my ways. He even wanted to take my dead Marantz 8260 back to his shop to give it a look see, but I wouldn't let him as it was Marantz's problem not his. I guess the only real complaint I have about Klaus is that he dosn't give me a new Miles Davis pressing everytime he mauls my checking account (he's getting pretty good at that part [almost like an ex wife])
gary