[TJHUB]

I have a tube preamp on the way and I'm looking to pair it with an amp of higher quality and "better" sound in the near future.  I've been considering a few amps and Odyssey is one of the brands that keeps coming up as a recommendation.

I have a few questions regarding the Odyssey amp offerings:

1.  I see the power switch is in the back and there do not seem to be any triggers on them.  Are they meant to be in standby mode and then sense when to turn on when a signal is run to them?

2.  I think I'll be getting a Stratos stereo amp, but I'm wondering what the power rating would be @ 4ohms?

3.  How hot do these amps get?  Could I set my preamp on top of a Stratos amp without worry?

Thanks.

[TomS]

I have a tube preamp on the way and I'm looking to pair it with an amp of higher quality and "better" sound in the near future.  I've been considering a few amps and Odyssey is one of the brands that keeps coming up as a recommendation.

I have a few questions regarding the Odyssey amp offerings:

1.  I see the power switch is in the back and there do not seem to be any triggers on them.  Are they meant to be in standby mode and then sense when to turn on when a signal is run to them?

2.  I think I'll be getting a Stratos stereo amp, but I'm wondering what the power rating would be @ 4ohms?

3.  How hot do these amps get?  Could I set my preamp on top of a Stratos amp without worry?

Thanks.

1. No triggers on them thus no "stand by" mode.  You want to keep the big caps charged for best sound.
2. Not really sure but it's supposed to be 150w into 8.  A bridged mono is 180 into 8 so should be pretty close to that for a 4 ohm single.  They can deliver a ton of current if you need that.
3. My mono's are barely warm to the touch.  Heat is never a problem, but I kept them just out open on the floor.

Good luck!

[TJHUB]

1. No triggers on them thus no "stand by" mode.  You want to keep the big caps charged for best sound.
2. Not really sure but it's supposed to be 150w into 8.  A bridged mono is 180 into 8 so should be pretty close to that for a 4 ohm single.  They can deliver a ton of current if you need that.
3. My mono's are barely warm to the touch.  Heat is never a problem, but I kept them just out open on the floor.

Good luck!

Thanks.

So the amps are just simply to be left on.  Ok.

I was hoping for a bit more available power, but I'm guessing even 150wpc *should* be enough as my normal listing volumes don't really exceed 85db or so.

I'm happy to hear they run cool.  I've been playing music all afternoon and my Parasound amp isn't even slightly warm.  I didn't want to set my preamp on a hot amp. 

[TomS]

Thanks.

So the amps are just simply to be left on.  Ok.

I was hoping for a bit more available power, but I'm guessing even 150wpc *should* be enough as my normal listing volumes don't really exceed 85db or so.

I'm happy to hear they run cool.  I've been playing music all afternoon and my Parasound amp isn't even slightly warm.  I didn't want to set my preamp on a hot amp.

I think there are several driving HT-3's with them so HT2-TL's shouldn't be a problem.

[srb]

Some amps with overdesigned (and expensive) power supplies can double output wattage into 4 ohms, but in my experience, the "average" quality amp can produce 50% - 60% more power from 8 ohms to 4 ohms.
 
If the Stratos is rated at 150W @ 8 ohms, I would be very surprised if it could not deliver 225W - 240W @ 4 ohms.
 
Steve

[drphoto]

Odyssey recommends the amps be left on. However, as I can reach the back of mine fairly easily, I turn them off when I'm away. I don't notice a huge difference in sound vs leaving them on. Maybe if they sat for days, the caps would need some time to reform.

[TJHUB]

Thanks for the information guys.  I really think a Stratos is the way I should go.  It's just nice to understand as much as I can prior to the purchase.

If the Stratos can provide around 200wpc, I'm guessing I'm more than covered.  I was running my subwoofer for music, but I switched to sans subwoofer this past week and for the sake of making the new preamp work properly, I'm sticking with no sub for music.  I want to make certain the amp I choose isn't too small.

There is also no way I'll be able to access the rear of the amp easily to turn it on and off.  It'll have to just remain on all of the time.  Does this mean the Odyssey logo will be lit 24/7?  I would assume so...

I look forward to the opportunity to hear one of these amps.  If the new preamp works out, the amp is next on the list to purchase.

[satfrat]

I found this in a review of the Stratos:

The Stratos is nominated to give 2x150 watt at 8 ohm and 260 watt at 4 ohm. This may seem a bit high
considering the construction, but it never ran out of power during the test, so we did not measure it.
 
You can read the whole review here which includes some really good internal circuit pictures. 
 
Cheers,
Robin

[/]

[TomS]

Well, I think a stock Stratos has a 400VA transformer for 2 channels, so that's going to limit it.  If you need more current the Extreme version doubles the transformer and you can double up the power supply caps too.  Marbles had the big Odyssey/Kraft mono amps with his Salk HT-3's and they sounded terrific.

I suggest just call Klaus when you're ready and he'll take very good care of you, even if it's a "b-stock" sort of situation.

[TJHUB]

Well, I think a stock Stratos has a 400VA transformer for 2 channels, so that's going to limit it.  If you need more current the Extreme version doubles the transformer and you can double up the power supply caps too.  Marbles had the big Odyssey/Kraft mono amps with his Salk HT-3's and they sounded terrific.

I suggest just call Klaus when you're ready and he'll take very good care of you, even if it's a "b-stock" sort of situation.

I'm can't pretend to understand all of this, but I will be contacting Klaus prior to any purchase. 

Thanks for the info guys.

[satfrat]

I'm can't pretend to understand all of this, but I will be contacting Klaus prior to any purchase. 

Thanks for the info guys.

I did mention that the review I highlited had good pictures. I don't need to know what i'm read to simply enjoy them. 
 
Cheers,
Robin

[TJHUB]

I did mention that the review I highlited had good pictures. I don't need to know what i'm read to simply enjoy them. 
 
Cheers,
Robin

Ha!  Very true.    I've seen many pictures of the internals and they are all beautiful.  That review was informative and just made me want the amp even more.

Now I just have to understand what all the "red board" talk is.  As I understand, I *need* that?

My plan is this, I'll get a feel for the tube preamp and call Klaus with my needs.  Hopefully the match is ultimately VERY good.   

[satfrat]

Then that review accomplished what it was meant to do. 

[TJHUB]

Then that review accomplished what it was meant to do. 

Yes, I know. 

Also, does anyone know if the front face plate can be easily replaced?

[lazydays]

Thanks for the information guys.  I really think a Stratos is the way I should go.  It's just nice to understand as much as I can prior to the purchase.

If the Stratos can provide around 200wpc, I'm guessing I'm more than covered.  I was running my subwoofer for music, but I switched to sans subwoofer this past week and for the sake of making the new preamp work properly, I'm sticking with no sub for music.  I want to make certain the amp I choose isn't too small.

There is also no way I'll be able to access the rear of the amp easily to turn it on and off.  It'll have to just remain on all of the time.  Does this mean the Odyssey logo will be lit 24/7?  I would assume so...

I look forward to the opportunity to hear one of these amps.  If the new preamp works out, the amp is next on the list to purchase.

spend a little more money and buy two mono blocks instead. There a big difference in the sound, and the upgrade path is better
gary

[TJHUB]

spend a little more money and buy two mono blocks instead. There a big difference in the sound, and the upgrade path is better
gary

I've considered mono-blocks, but space is running low in my audio rack.  My setup is also used for home theater.  It's a 2-channel setup that is home theater capable.  I *could* fit mono-blocks, but it wouldn't be easy.  I would love to get the "best" amp(s) this time around.

[TomS]

I've considered mono-blocks, but space is running low in my audio rack.  My setup is also used for home theater.  It's a 2-channel setup that is home theater capable.  I *could* fit mono-blocks, but it wouldn't be easy.  I would love to get the "best" amp(s) this time around.

Given that, I'd second going for the mono's.

[TJHUB]

Given that, I'd second going for the mono's.

What would you say is the biggest advantage of mono-blocks?  Extra headroom aside, what? 

[gerald porzio]

Monos will measure less crosstalk than a stereo amp. AFAIK, this theoretical advantage has never been demonstrated to be audible.

[TomS]

What would you say is the biggest advantage of mono-blocks?  Extra headroom aside, what?

I didn't spend enough time with a single stereo Stratos in my own system to compare much, so others here could offer more contrast.  I know that with the Extreme version of the mono's I never worried about having enough headroom.  They seemed smoother in the upper mids, just more at ease with their job.  The mono is a bridged configuration so has more output devices at work. 

You can always start with a single Stratos and upgrade to mono's, extremes, more caps, etc. in steps as budget allows.  The basic mono's are a great starting point as the big money is in the chassis and power supplies.