Low-level detail Very fast, very musical

None that I have found

I have a pair of both the Odyssey Monos and the Extreme Monos. I have not seen many reviews on how the Extremes sound compared to the standard monos. I hope this is helpful. Please note this is not a side-by-side comparison as the amps are currently in two different systems, rather it is my impression of the differences having used the standard monos for about a year and listening to the Extremes during the first month and a half of break-in. At this time, I have not listened to the amps side-by-side. My first impressions of the Extremes are that with my equipment, these amps are in a different league than the standard monos. The highs are sweeter, the soundstage more defined, taller and wider. Depth seems about the same. Both amps go way down low, the Extremes seem more controlled. These amps are very fast and very musical. The additional detail is amazing. To me the most startling thing is that the additional low-level detail is very clean and clear. It is as if some previous sounds just emerged as a new instrument or instruments, sometimes in the background sometimes right up front – for example, you know it is a clarinet, it sounds good, and you are surprised by how distinctive it is from the rest of the recording. It adds up to a deeper connection to the music than what I have experienced in the past. The other night I had a chance to do some critical listening. I am not a polished audio reviewer by any measure, but I did make a few notes. Again, this was not a side-by-side comparison of the amps. These are my thoughts of the Extremes compared to my recollection of the standard monos: The Beatles – Revolver Bass was deeper and more controlled than I remembered. Soundstage was broader. Low-level details more defined - especially on Taxman and Yellow Submarine. I enjoyed this so much I decided to continue my Beatles experience. Abbey Road Wow! Additional details really jumped out. It really made me appreciate the complexity of the production and the genius of George Martin. McCartney’s voice has a naturalness and emotional quality that I had not experienced before. Additionally, I heard instruments that I had not heard before (or not clearly enough to pinpoint the sound). This was very noticeable on side two. Oscar Peterson and Stephane Grappelli – Skol This is a live recording. I was surprised at the increased feeling of being there. The crowd seemed more alive around me. I remember with the standard monos thinking this was a great live recording, but I do not recall as much of a sense of presence. The crowd seemed warmer. In addition, the strings of Grappelli’s violin seemed livelier, almost dancing in the air. In general, the Extremes provide greater detail on the strings (as the notes are first hit and as they fade away) and a stronger connection to the music. Patricia Barber – Nightclub There are some demanding piano sequences on this album. This was never a problem for the monos and was not for the Extremes. The Extremes sounded more ‘in the room’ than I recall with the monos, as the notes retreated to nothing, there was tremendous depth and sense of space to the sound. The clarity is uncanny, very musical, and never clinical. Led Zepplin – Houses of the Holy My copy of this album has a fair amount of pops and crackles. Still, I was pleasantly surprised with the additional detail I was hearing. I picked up many nuances in Robert Plant’s vocals I had not heard before. The big difference was how much more these amps brought John Bonham’s drumming to center stage – a lot more clarity on subtle things like brushes and cymbals. In general, I heard more raw creativity on this album than I had before. (BTW – my neighbor came over while this was playing. Huge smile and many of the same observations.) Grateful Dead – Terrapin Station This is a good recording on vinyl. Some of the tracks are very busy and have a lot going on (from a number of sounds perspective). I was impressed at how musical this album sounded. I just got lost in the music. Overall, in my system, these amps kick ass compared to the standard monos (which IMO really says something considering how good the standard monos are and the minimal $ difference). The Extremes provide a noticeable, sometimes startling improvement over the standard monos. When I ordered the Extremes, my original thought was to put the monos in another system primarily used for HT and not to spend the $ in that system. I do use this room for music as well, but my best equipment is in another set-up. However, I am getting an itch to send the Monos in for the upgrade. Equipment used in the review: Odyssey Extreme Monos Pre-amp: Tempest Analog: Rega P25 with a Lyra Lidean cartridge re-built by Van Den Hul Digital: Not Used Cables: Straightwire and Bettercables Speakers: Dynaudio Contour 1.8mkII

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B&K Sunfire Anthem Adcom Denon

unbelievable bang-for-the-buck, built like a Lexus-made Hummer, top notch components, drives difficult loads with ease, phantastic service by the manufacturer

will spoil you, so you wish Klaus built CD players and other parts at this level

I just received the "XTreme" version of the Monos after having had the regular monos for the last year. Great service with the upgrade (the entire amp interiors seem to have been replaced except for the chassis and connectors). After just 2 days of break-in time, the XTreme outperforms the original monos in dynamics, detail and bass control (my speakers are current-hungry, low impedance Magnepan 3.5R's), and I know that things will only get better over the coming weeks once everything settles in. The original monos were already very capable, but the Xtreme's grab my Maggie bass panels like a massive vise grip, controlling low frequencies with amazing ease I'm already saving for a second pair of XTreme Monos to bi-amp my speakers!

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Original Monos

you will not find a better product at 5 times the price. The service is incredible and this is a stellar product. It makes the unbearable wait for the components worthwhile. I have had audiophile friends drool over the monoblocks - after investing mega bucks on musical fidelity and the like.

the delay. 4-6 weeks. I had to wait 6.

I bought the odyssey after reading a lot, and actually checking out a stratos stereo in NY at a friends. The monos are simply unbelievable. The moment I got them, my points with the WAF (wife acceptance factor) increased because of the looks. Thats, lukcily, only the beginning. These amps are the best there is amongst amps 5 times the price tag. I checked out all the usual solid-state suspects - gryphon, bryston, musical fidelity, rowland. While some high ends beat out the odyssey (like the halcro monoblocks), they cost about 12 times as much. In summary - these are just top notch deliverers. While rated A/AB, they deliver as much control as I have ever seen in any amp. They take control of my vandersteen 3a sigs and make the system sound transparent .. finally, a system to live with for several years with no upgrade required (Klause has been suggesting the extreme upgrade, but I think my speakrs - vandersteen 3a sigs - are the bottleneck now).

Unfortunately posted the review of my dual mono on normal odyssey thread before seeing that one so please read it up there. So this is just a link.

Smooth Sound. Tight Bass Run Cool to the touch. Great value. Great build quality. 20 year warranty. Excellent customer service from Klaus.

The wait to get them.

I have owned the monoblocks for more than a year now in my home theater. I remember the first time I plugged them in how shocked I was at their sound. They were a significant improvement over any amp I had ever owned. Recently, I bought another monoblock for the center channel of my home theater. This amp replaced my Parasound 2003 (a very highly rated home theater amp). The difference was staggering. I have been “assembling” my home theater for 5 years, and this was one of the most significant upgrades I have ever made. The details were much more realistic, and the bass more powerful. There has been much written on these amps already, and I agree with most of it. I would highly recommend that anyone looking for truly incredible amplification in their home theater try 3 Odyssey monoblocks in the front, and a stereo for the rear. For a little over $4000 or $800 per channel, you will have amplification that is tough to beat without spending ridiculous amounts of money. There is a reason why there is a waiting list for these amps. I am thrilled with my new addition.

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Adcom, Parasound, McCormack, Rowland, Sonic Frontiers, Rogue Audio.

No electronic signature of any kind. Excellent build quality Runs cool

None

Much ink (all true), has been spilled on the Stratos monoblocks so I'll focus on why they are unique relative to the competition (IMHO of course). In short, this is the first amp I've owned that literally has no signature. It doesn't sound solid state or tube-like, analytical or euphonic. It simply serves as a window to upstream components. Indeed, I prefer them to say, Krells because I think their tonal balance is more neutral overall (especially in the bass). I'm on the list for the "Extreme" upgrade so I'll write again when I get the chance to listen to said upgrade. Do I really feel the need for this upgrade? No. However, given the nominal price tag for it I suspect it won't hurt. Upsream Gear: *PrePro: Theta Casablanca II *Onkyo DVM301 CD/DVD Megachanger (coax digital out) *Carver TX-9 AM/FM tuner Speakers: Martin Logan Odysseys

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Parasound HCA2200 MkII, Monarchy Audio SM-70Pro (monoblocks), Sunfire Stereo Amp

company owner-warranty-build-smooth sound-tighter bass

not free-hehehe

recieved a pair of extreme monos a couple weeks ago.everthing everone says about them is true,the build quality is fantastic also.klaus is a class act. 20 year warranty, a very kool owner to deal with and sharp looking product=hard to go wrong.and if they arent your cup of tea he has a great return policy. i have diy 3.5 ways that are 4ohm and 89db and they dont even begin to get warm, ive smelled other amps burn trying to sustain volume levels- these are happy to do it and ask for more. can you say smoooooooooth.

Overall neutrality and balance, amazing mids.

Does not fit a conventional rack..... monoblocks look impressive on the floor

Purchased monoblocks several months ago .....let me say that Odyssey Design Group has proven that one can purchase state of the art audio equipment without having to break the bank. In this day and age when marketing dictates that brand name recognition, esoteric internal components and innovative circuit designs are the only way to achieve high end sound, along comes a company out of Indiana that takes these dogmas to task. A strong heritage and a proven design with years of circuit refinement with meticulous attention to quality control make the Stratos components a must audition.

soundstaging.ruthless ability to evaluate other equiptment.accurate timbre.power to drive difficult load.

the WAIT!

Well all I can say after more than 4 months use is that these amps are just as wonderful as everyone says. I'm using them on the top and midrange of Infinity RS1B's replacing audio research M100's. I've also just taken delivery of their ht-3 amp(review to follow in a few weeks) The ability of these amps is that after a while you notice that the amps simply aren't there, but all of a sudden you are in the middle of the music. Downside is that you're going to be re-evaluating everythin else in you system. Also outstanding value!

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this is the first solid state amp I've used on the hi-mid panels of the Infinity.

This is a magnificent pair of amps. I have them in a system with the Audible Illusions Modulus 3A, driving Maggie 3.6s. I won't repeat all that has been said except to echo that the resulting sound is remarkable. Rather I want to comment on service, to balance some other reviews. After fourteen weeks of bliss, one of the amps exhibited a problem. I contacted Klaus who asked that I ship BOTH amps back. Tests revealed that both amps had the same problem. The problem with a system is that it is impossible to be sure that another part of the system isn't causing the problem. Still, Klaus took complete responsibility. He repaired (and upgraded) both amps under warranty - no questions asked. He paid for shipping both ways, and the TOTAL turnaround time was under two weeks. Given that the amps were shipped from California and back by UPS ground, Klaus must have turned them around in a couple of days. World class amps AND service. Thanks, Klaus.