Having read this far in the post, including the very thorough response from Klaus, I find myself thinking:
1. I would really like to talk to this man
2. How can a small variation in the AC line voltage have such a significant difference in an amp’s performance?
In my understanding, and experience, the utility company is obligated by law to provide power that conforms to a nominal voltage +/- 10%. Meaning that the voltage coming into my house can be between 105 to 135 VAC. I have measured such swings in a house I once lived in occurring in an interval of less than 30 minutes. I have since moved, and I am now served by a much better utility company.
So, on the one hand, I have been lead to believe that a good power supply for any electronic gear, be it computer, stereo, or what-have-you should be able to handle such fluctuations on the input with affecting the power delivered on the outputs, while on the other hand, Klaus is saying the source voltage determines the amount of bias on the output tubes.
My follow-up question might be if this is a design feature of Odessey amps only, or do all designs share this sensitivity to the supply voltage?
If the latter is true, it would certainly justify the cost of a regenerative power conditioner, which I’m told is some cases is itself an amplifier of sorts.
Thoughts, anyone?