[Housteau]

I am new to Odyssey and although I have been a member of the Audio Circle family for a while now, I have managed to miss all that Odyssey has to offer.  My system is tri-amped and my main two amplifiers have a good bit of age on them.  When I first considered changing them out it wasn't due to any real sonic issues, but more because of their actual age.  These are the same amps that ran my larger Infinities many years ago and continued with my newer VMPS reference system, which is not unlike the older Infinity reference systems.

Very recently I changed out my older mono VTLs (EL34s) running the frequencies from around 250Hz on up with a pair of mono Prima Luna Prologue 7s (KT88s).  I wasn't expecting much of a change, but boy was there.  It was a shot of fresh air that really brought my system to life, and I hadn't even realized that it had died .  Because of that experience and the fact my mid bass amp is just as old, I should consider doing the same thing with it.

My mid bass amp is the old and venerable Electron Kinetics Eagle 2a running the frequencies from just below 250Hz down to 58Hz.  It has been a great bass amp.  Looking at its specs one can see why.  I am not one to shop and buy on specs per say, but a quick look at the ones for the Stratos Extreme Monos place them far above what made the Eagle such a fixture for so long.

The new amps I buy I don't want to be just good bass amps, but great amps all around, since one day they may be placed into that service.  From recent reviews of the Stratos smaller brothers it appears that I am still looking in the right place.  Plus a company not afraid to place a 20 yr warrenty on their products says quite a lot to me as well.

[kingdeezie]

I would say most certainly go for it!

I run a pair of GR Research Line Sources that cover the entire spectrum 20-20 +/-3, and with the Odysseys Kismetros amplifiers that Klaus just built/repaired for me, the bass is awesome.

Tight, articulate, punchy, and most impressively cavernous. On some songs I feel like I can actually walk into the bass; it sounds so wide and deep.

Also, Klaus is simply awesome to work with; and truly saved my a$$, when my used Stratos amplifiers were modified by the previous owner poorly and didn't work properly.

He gave me an extremely fair rate on upgrading, and turned the amplifiers over to me very very timely.

 

[devloui]

I've owned a Stratos extreme stereo power amp now for about 6 months.  I found a used one on A'gon, and after reading so many good things about the stratos I went for it.  To say I'm pleased with it would truly be an understatment.  It replaced an ARC VT-100 MkII, which itself is a wonderful amplifier, and I haven't regretted it for one listening moment.  Man am I glad I did. 
 
The amp is driving a pair of Von Schweikert VR4 SE's, and you'd think it was a marriage made in heaven.  Tonally, I'd describe the amp as big, bold, and full-bodied, with very good transparency and lot's of air (yes, just like tubes).  It's a little loose in the extreme bottom (again, just like tubes), but for me, that adds to the amps musicality. It's got lot's of weight, lots of it.  It's like putting you feet in some nice warm, cushy house shoes.  Don't get me wrong here, it's not real loose bass, it's just not real tight bass either (that sometimes leaves me wanting to hear more weight).

I'm driving the amp full range, so I'm not sure how well it will work just for driving subs, like I said, it's a little soft, but extends way down deep (my VR4's are rated down to 20Hz).  However, if your looking for a good all around amplifier, it has my highest recommendation.  My next amplifier upgrade will be a pair of Stratos extreme mono's.
   
I have since purchased a new Tempest extreme preamp from Klaus, and that too is magnificent.  Let me just emphasize one thing here.  I've paid close attention to my electricity. Every little thing you can do to address your ac, improves the performance of the Odyssey electronics.  Feed the Odyssey electronics with good clean power, and they shine!  I use all CRL 'Gold' power cords plugged into a Running Springs audio 'Jaco' power conditioner, feeding my Stratos amp and Tempest preamp.  I use an Elrod EPS-3 signature from the wall (using an Oyaide R-1 power outlet...also my highest recommendation) to the RSA conditioner. 

Hope this helps in your decision!  Considering the price these amps go for, I don't think you can go wrong.

[Housteau]

I'm driving the amp full range, so I'm not sure how well it will work just for driving subs, like I said, it's a little soft, but extends way down deep (my VR4's are rated down to 20Hz).  However, if your looking for a good all around amplifier, it has my highest recommendation.  My next amplifier upgrade will be a pair of Stratos extreme mono's.

The "it's a little soft" does concern me a bit as that is the last thing you want in a bass amp.  The damping factor and other specs are very good and so I am surprised to read your impressions of it being this way.  But, that may just be with your specific speakers and their Q. 

I do want an all around good amp, but it's main function will be mid bass duty.  I have the range from 60Hz down covered, so I need the proper weight, but also with the tight delicate articulation.  I am looking at the Extreme Mono version of the Stratos though, and that may (should) improve on what may be lacking with the stereo version.

[kingdeezie]

I don't know how you can get bass that is not extremely tight with the Odyssey Stereo Extremes; they have a dampening factor of over 500 and pass 60 amps of current per side for excellent control. 

Perhaps Monos are the best way to go however. Their dampening factor is over 800, with 120 amps of current delivery.

Like I said I have the Kismet/Stratos hybrids and the bass I am getting is some of the best bass I have ever heard.

To be fair though, my speakers (even though they have many drivers per side) present a pretty benign load for the amplifiers.

I do think that the VR4-SE can present a pretty tough load, at least, this is what I read when I was looking to buy some Manley tube amplifiers.