Very wide soundstage, great low end, outstanding value

Power button on back side, no clipping indicators--very minor things

First off, I want to thank Beatlefred, Alex-the Good One, and all the other Stratos owners for aiding my decision. I admit I was hesitant to order direct, but now I actually prefer doing it. Also, a big thanks to Klaus, as he really is the epitome of customer service, and is doing wonderful things at Odyssey.

Before the Sale:
I ordered this amplifier, even though I was really looking at integrateds. However, when I found a used CAL, and realized that it was recommended to run direct to an amp, I started looking for other solutions. I chose the Stratos largely from this website, both messageboards and the reviews. Calling Klaus is always a good time, and he actually spent over an hour on the phone with me the first time I called. He is very busy, and it is nice to have someone really explain things to you. I have learned more about amplifiers through conversations with him, than i probably ever need to know! Anyways, I ordered the Stratos with cap upgrade and silver faceplate. Prior to delivery, Klaus called me and gave me periodic updates. He originally told me 4 weeks, and sure enough it shipped in 4 weeks.

First Impression:
It was at my house a few days later, and I was immediately impressed. Although the box was a little beat up due to UPS, the inside was very well packed. The amplifier was very easy to take out and move, due to the dedicated heat sinks on the side that provide for great handles. I put the amp on my table to examine it for damage, and my jaw literally dropped at the build quality (i wasn't expecting anything this good!). From the solid faceplate (which looks marvelous in silver) to the WBT binding posts, to the gold plate with the serial #, to the lettering, and finally to a little plate with MY name on it that was stuck on the back. This looked like a beast (and weighed twice that of my Rotel 5 channel!), and I was ready to cue it up!---ps. the lighted logo is really cool too.

First Listening Session:
I had been listening to my well broken in Rotel for the last few hours, so I could really A/B the two. So I had a sense of the Rotel sound in my mind. I plugged in the Stratos using my PSB 5ts, and cranked the same classical/rock/techno music I was listening to before. This amp sounded really good right out of the box! I immediately noticed a bigger soundstage (at the same volume level), and the sound seemed to jump off the speakers in front of it. More impressively was the weight the amp gave to my low range. I felt much more bass than before---this was very apparent on the techno I put it. The amp also showed it's speed and dynamic range on several of my test passages--the Planets "Mars" is one and John Digweed's Global Underground LA. I noticed that the amp was very accurate, but not so detailed that it wasn't musical. Compared to the Rotel, I thought it was less warm, but more dynamic which i definitely preferred. I do think the highs were a little accentuated during the break-in, and sounded a little "tinny" so to speak. I figured this would get better after 48 hours, and I ended up being right. Also to note, is i used a cheap DVD player at first (but all of my listening over the past 3 months has been with stereo, not movies), since the CAL was in the other room. So after listening for 2 hours or so, my roommate asked to dj, and I said why not? He plays at considerably higher levels than my typical listening. However, the amp performed without a hitch. After 90 minutes of spinning, he even agreed that the sound was much better than before. I went over shortly thereafter, and touched the amp, only to find it not warm at all! Now, comparing it to the Classe I had auditioned before, it was an ice cube.

3 Months Later:
I now prefer to write reviews after several months of use. This is better than the people who submit the day they receive it. I moved the amp to my bedroom, where the CAL CL-15 is run straight into it. The only issue is a popping noise that comes when I turn off the unit (CDP) at times. I don't think the amplifier is the issue here, but it may be some kind of grounding issue. I am running ACI Sapphire III LEs in there, which seem to be a perfect match for the Stratos. The Stratos gives them a lot of power, and I have no problems bottoming out on the LEs, unless I really crank it. Remind you, I use no sub in this room, so this is natural for a monitor speaker. Again, the soundstage is so wide---it really fills the room with sound, and the sound just comes off the speakers, as if they were not there. The amplifier also has an "airiness" to it that now has set in over the past few months. This makes it even better, as classical and jazz have really come to life. I think the Stratos with the soft dome tweeters of the ACIs is a better match than the PSBs....although I now consider the ACIs superior to the PSBs (review to come). In 6 months, I am moving into a bigger space, and will use it to power the mains of my home theater as well in a combo system.

Cds that I have used with the Stratos-

Miles Davis- Around the World "Time after Time"- I heard this in Klaus's room athe NYC hifi show, and was so impressed, I had to get it. It sounds wonderful in my system.

Cirque du Soleil- Mystere
Holtz- Planets- John Williams and the Boston Pops
Danny Howells- Nubreed 2
Buena Vista Social Club
Journey- Greatest Hits
Enya- Greatest Hits
Sting- Greatest Hits, and the new one
Dave Matthews Band- First 2 albums
John Digweed- Global Underground LA

The only things I would like to see on the Stratos are clipping lights (just in case, and especially when running a turntables/mixer through it where I have had other amps clip because of impedance issues--i have not had any problems with the Stratos in this regard), the power button on the front (or recessed underneath)---however, I do leave the amp all the time. Just a pain when you leave town and have to reach behind the rack.


Bottom line is over the past two months, I have listened to more music than in the past year! The Stratos is definitely a performer here, and at just over 1k including the add-ons, I feel it is THE value. I just can't imagine spending more, and I recommend it to anyone who is looking to add a great performing amp in the <$3k price range. There may be better amps with more power, etc., but is it really worth it to buy the Krell, Levinsons of the world? I'm not sure, but my upgrades will not be amplifier related for a long time.

Similar Products Used:

Rotel 985MKII, Rotel 1070, Classe CA 101, Parasound 1201, several integrateds as well

Sonically, compares to McCormack, Belles. Hefty construction.

Has no front DUAL POWER METERS like a McIntosh or Accuphase. Power meters are GORGEOUS, and some can be switched off for those of you that don't like them.

I won't write a book here, but suffice it to say that this amp is a veritable BARGAIN in high-end audio (especially since I got mine used)! This is a true high end amplifier that competes easily with some of the mentioned marques above. The amp sounds analytical but in a good way, since it is also not harsh sounding. A sign of a great amp also consists of 'intangibles' in the listening process, such as if an amp can get you closer to the music and send tingles up your spine. This may have something to do with the timbral accuracy and total presentation of the music, which the Odyssey does superbly. In conclusion, I must say that I am glad I did not splurge 3K plus on a McIntosh I was considering. Not that Macs are no good- quite the contrary, but they are overpriced IMHO. The Odyssey is a godsend to those that want high-end but can't afford to spend the cake on megabuck equipment. I give this amp 5 stars easily, and I am hoping for sexy power meters in the future!

Similar Products Used:

McCormack, Bryston, Belles

Transparent, neutral, sound stage wide and deep

None

Similar to the other reviews, this a a great amplifier. The Stratos is extremely transparent, very neutral and musical. The sound stage is very wide and deep. I own a Bryston 3b-st, a very good amplifier but the Stratos outperformed the Bryston in terms of sound stage width and depth. In my experience, pairing the Stratos with the right pre amp is very important. I used the Bryston bp-20 with the Stratos, they work well but when I paired the FT-Audio LW-1 passive pre amp with the Stratos the result is spectacular. If I have to be picky about the Stratos, it would be the power supply. When you are not playing any music and you are very close to the speakers, you can hear a minimal amount of noise; for the Bryston you cannot hear anything. In my opinion you cannot go wrong with the Stratos if you are looking for an amp that is anywhere close (perhaps, even two-three times) to this price range.

Cheers,
happy

Cheers,

Similar Products Used:

Bryston 3b-st

NONE

This amp is the best of the best-the price is a deal-don't buy an amp in the 2/3 k range without giving this amp a trial.You will save a LOT of $$ for your other needs.I will put just a 5* because I can't go higher.

Similar Products Used:

niko A 440-yamaha M-85U

power bass, clean airy treble, smooth midrange continously cool & quiet, great details. "Klaus'

none

First off thanks for the excellent work Klaus.
this amp is a jewel, everything you could wish for in power maplifier and with a very good price, and warranty. this is the Total package.

upon listening to the Gladitor soundtracks, Al Green's "What a Wonderful Thing Love Is", Sam Cooke's 'A change is going to Come", Gene Chandler's "Rainbow 80" (Rainbow 65 recored live) any classical cd. Brook Benton, Conway Twitty,
the temptations 5 part harmonies "too sweet" L . Hathaway & joe Sample cd.,
AWB cut the cake.
This is true to form whatever your play it reproduce.
I had the 120 upgrade & the power cord added. so I've new amp which sounds better very day.
I could go on & on I realize I made some mistakes in grammar. If you owned this amp your would understand.

Equipment:
Acram cd multidisc
Yamaha tuner
audio refinement Pre5 preamp
Paradigm - Bi-polar speakers
Goertz - micro-purl silver interconnects
Ana plus 9 copper speaker cable

Similar Products Used:

parasound, acram, golden tube, adcom

great customer support. Klaus has his act together-listen and learn.

have patience breaking this product in.

I have spent the last year auditioning 15 amps ranging from 1500-3500$ This amp is far better than any of the amps i tried. Very natural spacious sound. Klaus has ordered the symphonic line speakers[legato],tempest preamp, and Groneberg cables for me. Will post review when i recieve other components.
This amp is a no brainer-no risk return,20 year guarantee and one of the best sounding amps i've heard at any price.

Similar Products Used:

parasound,van alstine, old macs,music fidelity. jbl lt100 audioquest turquious inter.,mit terminator cables.tjoeb cd

Quality of sound

not really

I suppose the "similar equipment" shows I've been away from audio for almost 20 years. Whether the experience of these old ears counts is something you'll have to decide. This is one fine amp, similar to the Crown DC-300 I used in the control room when I was an engineer/mixer.

What I'd really like to remark on is the service/advice from Odyssey Design. I needed a new preamplifier too; the one I was using wouldn't take a moving coil cartridge (several ways to go on that, of course). I neglected to tell Kurt the reason I was looking, & when I described my system & wondered if the Tempst preamp would be a good match, his response was no, I'd be better off spending my money on something he did NOT sell.

I saw the remark below from someone who felt Kurt was a salesman; in my experience people who believe in their products may sometimes come across that way, but my experience was that Kurt was very honest & careful (he didn't know too much about the modified Mac 275 & said so when I asked how the Stratos would stack up), and later, as an Odyssey customer, he was looking out for my interests.

The rest of the system (& the preamp below is a temporary one, not the one I asked Kurt about):

(Temporary) preamp: ADC GTP-502
Amp: Stratos
Speakers: Magnepan 1.6
CD player: Cambridge Audio 500/SE
TT: an on-the-fritz Linn I gotta get around to.

BTW, I did order the Tempest preamp.

Similar Products Used:

Crown DC-300, Crown D-150's monoblock, Macintosh 275

Sound, accuracy, durability, looks.

Heavy - but what do you expect?

This is basically a follow-up to a review that I made a while ago.

I have now hooked my Stratos up to my Harman-Kardon AVR-7000 (using it as a preamplifier, and for the surround channels), and I've moved the system into a new room. I couldn't possibly be happier with the amplifier. I think opting to get the capacitor upgrade was a good idea - I don't have anything to compare it against but it sounds so good, I wouldn't dare not pay the extra $95 or so. The Odyssey Stratos is extremely robust, it had no problem being shipped across the pacific, and it's running happily (and perfectly) on 50Hz power. With this new room the sound has really come alive, a lot of the harshness I noticed has gone (probably had to do with me being too close to the speakers with the old setup) and all frequencies come out loud, clear and undistorted.

If you want an excellent amplifier, I don't think you can go past the Stratos - especially for the price. I have never personally had experience with a better one. I listened to an expensive Krell amplifier and preamplifier hooked up to expensive Martin-Logan speakers once (I'm sure that system was at least US$10000) and I really think my system is better. I bought the Groneberg Quattro audio cables that Odyssey Designs recommended and sold to me, and I think they're great. I'm also extremely pleased with my JBL S-312 speakers.

Once again, the sound is really beyond reproach. Treble is crisp (and with HDCDs or 96kHz/24bit audio, it sounds unreal), bass is strong and smooth, and all frequencies are present and accounted for. It sounds very flat to me - much like good studio monitors might, except with a much bigger sound (coming out of my much bigger speakers).


I thoroughly recommend my setup:

Any old CD player with digital output (I have three Sony changers and a Sharp CD/Minidisc deck)
Harman-Kardon AVR7000 (as DAC, HDCD decoder, preamp and surround amp) - I'm sure the Odyssey tempest would also be an excellent preamp.
Odyssey Stratos
Groneberg Quattro cables
JBL S312 speakers

Similar Products Used:

Various receivers, from cheap consumer items (Technics SA-DX930) to fairly decent consumer items (Harman-Kardon AVR7000)

bass control, liquid mid, build quality

painfully long delivery time

Like the previous reviewer, there is very little that I can add to describe this exellent amp. What impresses me the most is it's ability to recreate the actual performance that you are listening to. Put on a good quality live recording, turn off the lights, sit back, close your eyes and you are there with the audience. In fact it is hard not to be "drawn in" to the performance of a quality recording.The 3-D illusion is outstanding. But, put on a poorly recorded disc and its a night and day difference. The 3-D is gone and it turns into a cardboard-like sound. What ever you put into this amp thats what you get back. I expected a nice, noticeable, subtle, improvement over my old amp. What the Stratos delivered was quite remarkable. I am very satisfied with this product and whole-heartedly recommend it.

Similar Products Used:

NAD

Detail, soundstage, bass authority, build quality

None

I’ll try not to repeat what everyone has said to this point but I will say that for the most part I agree with all the previous reviews. This is a great amp, I don’t claim to be a golden ear audiophile, I don’t even know what reviewers mean by speed, grainy and sounds like music. But I do understand soundstage, imaging, and detail, all which the Stratos supplies in spades. The detail is uncanny the soundstage is very wide. The amp has great bass authority and is overall very pleasing to listen to. This amp replaced a Houston GSP-02 tube amp and has an even warmer sound. The build quality is first rate and it is a beautiful piece of equipment. I opted for the 120,000uf cap upgrade and the burgundy face plate and case. I just love this amp and I will be picking up the Tempest pre-amp soon. The Stratos is a great amp and a tremendous value.

Associated Equipment:
Adcom GFP 555 – Pre-amp
Parasound D/AC 1100 HD – DAC
Pioneer DV626D – DVD Player
Van L Speakerworks Quartet – Loudspeakers
Audio Note Reference – Interconnects
Kimber Kable 4TC – Speaker cable (biwired)
Thorens TD160 Super – Turntable
Linn LV-X Tonearm
Grado Prestige Gold – Cartridge