Great customer service, high quality amp for a great price.

None

As new owner of a Stratos amp, all I can say is Happy, Happy, Happy. If you're shopping for a new amp, my advice is go for it. You'll not be dissappointed. The price is right, customer service is excellent. Wish that I've some more $$ to buy another one.
I would like to personally thanks Alex (The Good one :-) and Klaus Bunge(The owner of Odyssey) for their kindly supports. With their helps and directions, I was able to own one of the finest amp in this planet without breaking my bank account.

Similar Products Used:

Various consumer products (Kenwood, Harmon Kardon)

I recently purchased a pair of the new Odyssey monoblock amplifiers for my home audio system. I had been using for several months a Parasound HCA-1500 amplifier but never was totally sold on the sound of this amp. It was to dry and one diminsional in it's delivery. And the bass was just to dry for my taste.After hooking up the Odyssey monoblocks I noticed a huge improvement. The soundstage opened up and the music really came to life. The tonal balance was just about as close to perfect as I have heard in this price range of amplifiers. Odyssey amplifiers are designed by Symphonic of Germany and push the level of performane in this price range to a new level. If you get a chance please check out the Odyssey line of amplifiers. You'll be glad you did. I'll give the Odyssey amplifiers 5 stars for performance and value.

Superb bass, clean treble, very neutral

For the price ... none!

Auditioned Adcom, Parasound, and B&K amps prior to purchase. Very neutral amp, great bass, smooth treble.
Amp is used to drive Thiel CS3.6's, and in my room I never seem to run out of power.

Similar Products Used:

Adcom 5500, BK

Clarity, openess, quality of construction, 20 year warranty (which hopefully will never be relied upon).

Initially sharp on the high end, lengthy burn-in period.

Generally, I appreciate being able to read other people's reviews to enable me better to make an informed decision; but, I rarely contribute my own reviews. In the case of the Odyssey Stratos power amp and the Tempest pre-amp, I feel compelled to offer my own review (both because the equipment is outstanding and because I owe it to Klaus Bunge, who has been great to deal with).

I purchase the amp/pre-amp combination in January of this year, so I have now had 7 solid months of listening time. I did not elect to get the 120,000 cap. upgrade in the Stratos. As noted in the weaknesses section, I initially found the high end to be too sharp/bright for my listening pleasure. This drawback, however, began disappating after about a week, and the amp settled in nicely after about two weeks of listening.

To Odyssey's and Klause's credit, and as any quality manufacturer should inform the buyer, the owner's manual clearly indicates that one should expect a rather lengthy burn in period (but like a kid on Christmas Eve, I wanted my new quality sound immediately). Suffice to say, with the Stratos great things come to those who wait. Any of you reading this review have presumably read all or most of the other reviews posted on this site. As such, I am not going to reiterate all of the wonderful accolades that have been bestowed upon the Stratos and Klause, as they are all true. Suffice to say, this is easily the best sounding, and I would venture to say best constructed, power amp available for under $3,500. Why do I say that, because I have been so impressed with it that I just ordered a set of mono-blocks and will be returning my Stratos to Klause at the end of the month. Based on all indications, I believe that a set of mono blocks must deliver more than twice the sound of the Stratos. I am so pleased with the Statos that I can't wait to hear the mono blocks. I am certain that my only two disappointments will be (i)having to be without my Stratos for a brief period of time while Klause and the folks at Odyssey build my mono blocks and (ii) having to go through another burn in period. Kudos to Odyssey for being the best value in true high end audio.

For the benefit of those wanting to understand upon what basis I formed my opinions about Odyssey, my equipment consists of:
Power amp - Odyssey Stratos
Pre amp - Odyssey Tempest
Turntable - Rega Planar 25 (25th anniversary)
Cartridge - Rega Exact
CD - Regal Planet
Speaker wires - Nordost Blue Heaven (shot gunned at 3.5 meters)
Speakers - Meadowlark Shearwater Hot Rods
Interconnects - DH labs and Rega
Power conditioner - Tice

Sound, Build quality, value

None

I have owned more than my fair share of mid to high end amps over the last 20 years. I was interested to try the brand that everyone was talking about that I never heard of. Klaus was a great help.

It worked out...I have been a B&W owner for 12 years, first 802 Series 2 and currently N803, this amp has infused them with life I never imagines existed. It have elevated the enjoyment I get from the system ten-fold.

This amp should be a Stereophile Class A or B and is a must buy.

Similar Products Used:

McIntosh, Bryston, Classe, Forte

Too many to list, see review.

None yet found

I have been holding off on this review until the amps were fully broken in (they now have about 150 hrs on them). This is the latest version (2001) It's about time Audioreview updated their database to reflect the 2001 model year! I happened upon this product by accident at the N.Y. Hometheater and high end Hi-Fi show in N.Y.C. this March. I stepped inside the Odyssey room and was so taken by the sound that I stayed for about 2 hrs. Klaus had the Stratos stero amp driven by the Tempest pre/amp and his own CD player and speakers. Cabling used was the StageIII Concepts that had shared the room with Odyssey. The sound was dynamic, fatigue-free, with a huge soundstage and plenty of air. When he stated that the entire system including cables (less the CD player) was under $5,000.00, I could not believe it! This was the kind of sound you would expect to get from a $20,000 plus system! There were no fancy tweaks or room treatments either! I was enjoying the music more than on my own $20,000+ system. I was so impressed that I bought one on the spot and upgraded to the monoblocks the next day even after just having bought the $6,000.00 Audio Research VT100 MKIII one month earlier! I have since sold the Audio Research and though it is an excellent edge of the art product, I don't miss it one bit! That's how good these Odyssey monoblocks are. These are definitely not your typical solid state amps. The only other s.s. amp that I remember sounding this musical and tube-like is the big Ayre (around $7,000.00)! These amps are lush sounding, dynamic and throw a huge soundstage with rock steady pinpoint imaging. Even without the subs connected the bass was deep, fast and tight. I'm sure that they will mate well with budget gear but they deserve the very best ancillary components and cables. I have rediscovered my CD and record collection. Most audiophiles will probably never get to hear how good these amps are because of the low cost. High cost is usually associated with "better" sound and performance. While sometimes this is true, it is not always the case. Even if you are willing to spend over $6,000.00, give these amps an audition, they are good enough for the most discerning audiophiles! I can't wait to get the Tempest pre/amp. I plan to replace my whole system with his line including the speakers that were at the show (available Sept/Oct) They retailed for around $7,400.00, but he is moving production to Canada and dropping the price to approx. $2,400.00! Klaus is a great guy, don't hesitate to deal with him! I have had many high quality amps in my system in the past 15 yrs and have lived with tube amps for the last 6 yrs or so. I never thought I would go back to solid state, that's how good these are. I don't know how Klaus does it for the price. Very highly recommended! Here is a list of my current equipment:

Amps:Odyssey Stratos monoblocks
Pre/Amp:Transcendent Grounded Grid
Speakers:Magnepan 1.6QR's with (2) Vandersteen 2WQ subs
CD:Cary CD303
LP:Rotel RP900 with Origin Live modified Rega RB 250 arm and Dynavector 20X cartridge.
Phono pre/amp:Lehmann Black Cube
Cables:Goertz Triode Quartz(silver) pre/amp to amps, Goertz AG1 Center stage(silver) biwire to maggies, Goertz M1(copper) to subs, Goertz Saphhire (silver) on CD and phono.
Cords: Mapleshade double helix (2),Omega Mikro planar red wave treated (3), all front end gear going into Richard Gray Power Co., (2) Essence A/V Pro cords on the amps.

I have two TMC cables on order (The Music Cable), I will let you know how these work out.

Similar Products Used:

Krell KSA 80, Quicksilver M60 monoblocks, Audio Research VT100 MKIII

Awesome Sound, Power, Pricing

Of course none

Was eyeing Adcom GFA5802. Read up on Audio Review and found the Adcom running like a furnace. Engineers don't like hot electrical components, transformers constant-on regardless of demand, inefficiency, etc. Stumbled on the Odyssey Stratos, rave reviews, history of product line, etc. Ordered immediately. Got it exactly on ETA promised date. Hooked the Carver as preamp since the Odyssey Tempest is a few weeks behind. Nearly broke my back and hands installing the damn thing. Doesn't fit my cabinet. Door does not close; my wife does not like that but I do since I can stare at the awesome backlit-laser etched Odyssey logo all night. Left it on fm overnight to break in.

Sound: I ain't no audiophile, but damn it sounds soooo gooood out of the box. Beautiful sound mostly the high's are immediately noticeable. It is true that the clarity and definition is there for all previously unnoticeable sounds, and all are so true to form. Also, it reveals is exact quality of the recording. Man, I can hear the agile power that this thing pumps out. At this un-broken-in stage, vocals and mids are somewhat bright, and base is a bit shy. That is why I am leaving it on (FM) 24-7 till it is fully broken in. I know it is going to be beautiful like all previous reviews. I will spend next few days sorting out the collection of CD's and vinyls for review and re-enjoyment.

Acknowledgement: Thank you Klaus for a beautiful product - power, sound and look. Oh yes the pricing, including the 120uf cap is just affordable/unreal. Now I have a close-to-high-end system (of course, always things to improve)without breaking the bank.

System: Stratos, Von Schweikert VR3 speakers, Yamaha CDC765(?), Carver receiver as pre until the Odyssey Tempest pre arrives.

Similar Products Used:

1980's Carver receiver bought in college

lots of tamed, controlled power, sweet and accurate transmittal of the input signal, ability to perform flawlessly at ALL volume levels regardless of varying speaker impedances, build quality, most cool running af any amp I have ever had contact with etc. etc. etc.

NONE

This amp has to be the best audio deal ever to come down the pike. Everything everyone else has said is true and accurate. Klaus is the best, a real gentleman and a pleasure to deal with. Make sure you talk to him when you order. This amp is remarkable. All types of music comes through with detail and clarity and control that will make you want to run out and upgrade all your assiciated equipment. The bass is tight and perfectly controlled - decay time is dead on, the mids will give new life to your vocal, piano, and jazz recordings, the highs are refined, and accurate beyond anything you thought possible. Never a hint of grain or harshness. Width and depth of the sound stage explodes. This unit will make you want to stay home on your vacation while you ship the wife and kiddies off to the cape so you can just relax and enjoy the music. Some of you may think that all these reviews are because the price is so low - not true. While this unit IS a steal, the comments I have made would still be the same if the price was 10 times more, it is that good. Don't wait till there is a 6 month wait, buy this unit now while the wait is still reasonable. Give it the proper break in and enjoy. You will not be dissapointed.

ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT:
Rogue 99 tube pre-amp
Sonus Faber Grand Piano speakers
Sherwood Newcastle CD
Monster speaker cable
CSW interconnects

Similar Products Used:

There is nothing similar

Built like a battleship, very dynamic, neutral, articulate.

None

I just received the Stratos monoblocks, and even with only a few minutes warm-up, they sound awesome. They are very transparent, clean, articulate, neutral, dyanamic, etc.
The highest praise I can give them is...they sound like music!

Klaus Bunge (owner of the company)is a joy to work and talk with.

If you are in the market for a new amplifier, you owe it to yourself to check out this companys products (they're a bargain for what you get).

Similar Products Used:

Audio Research D-200, Audio Research VT-60

Superb Sound
Build Construction
Klaus and Customer Service

Absolutely None

In 1999 a local dealer in Richmond, Virginia suggested I give a try to a 150 watt solid state amp made by a company named "ODL". The amp was a significant improvement over my then Parasound amp, and I immediately purchased it after an extensive home audition. Fast forward two years to the recent Absolute Sound review of the Odyssey Stratos amp. By golly that's my amp, I exclaimed, but what's with the difference in the name of of the manufacturer? After digging around on the internet, I located the Odyssey website and sent an email inquiring as to whether Odyssey could convert my ODL amp to a monoblock with the purchase of an additional Stratos amp. That very evening I received an email response from Klaus, the man behind Odyssey, and we were talking on the phone the next day. He advised me that ODL and Odyssey were not one in the same and that Odyssey was the only lawful distributor of the relevant Symphonic design. He then agreed to upgrade my ODL Amp to the current Odyssey Stratos monoblock version in exchange for the purchase of a second Odyssey monoblock amp for $1200.00, including the 120,000 cap upgrade for both amps. I forwarded my ODL amp to Klaus and in timely fashion had two Odyssey monoblocks returned. (Klaus advises that in addition to converting the ODL amp to a monoblock, he upgraded the amp's components to the Odyssey standard and corrected certain settings).

Wow what a difference! That residual boominess in my PSB Stratus Goldi speakers was utterly gone, replaced with phenomenally tight, deep, controled bass and increased presence in the midrange. After an initial 48 hour break- in, unconstricted smooth highs. My single ODL version of the amp was excellent. The Odyssey monoblocks are to my ears reference quality.

Finally, I cannot say enough about the customer service supplied by Klaus. The guy is creating a cult of personality for himself. Way to go Klaus!!! Thank you so much.


My system includes:

PSB Stratus Goldi Speakers
Odyssey Monoblocks
Adcom 750 Preamp
VPI Aries Turntable with JMW 10 Tonearm
VPI SDS Power Plant
Sony SACD-1 Player
PS Audio 300 and 600 Power Plants
PS Audio Power Cords (Labs and Mini-Labs)
Esoteric Audio Silver Interconnects

Similar Products Used:

ODL Version of the Odyssey Amp
Parasound
Adcom
Krell
Audio Research