Amps.. Is Odyssey worth it?

I've had the pleasure of doing business with Klaus at Odyssey and it's always been a pleasure.  When I was having trouble finding something that would drive some modded Magnepan speakers someone mentioned Klaus so I  called him.  Apparently others had already had the same issue and he gave me several options with various costs.  I chose some Kismet in Stratos cases for an absolute fantastic price and he guaranteed that they would have no problem driving the Maggie's.  When I heard of the parts he had planned to use being sourced from Symphonic Line, I couldn't refuse.  And I wasn't disappointed.  Everything I was missing from the system came to life after trying several amp and preamp combos.  Since the initial purchase I've had an issue that Klaus fixed with no problem and no cost to me.  I've also sent them in for some upgrades and was very happy when they were returned.  I truly believe some people may shy away from his products because of the low cost but his amps compete with equipment costing 2 and 3 times the price.  I have talked to Klaus recently and there are some new plans in the works for a design that sounds very interesting.  Many years I've known the man and never have I had nothing but pleasant and informative conversations.  

There are almost endless options in boutique producers globally to choose from.

1. Klaus is in the USA and actually picks up his phone.

2. He services everything

3. Value is great. Just go from the 500k rooms at the show to his room and you will know.

4. Owned Karthagos and kismets as well as kismet speakers which I will never sell.

5. Sound is an individual judgement, but price/value/American made. Not easy to beat.

soix

04-29-2025 at 12:55pm 

Are they worth it - meaning - Are they a good buy, sound quality for the cost?

This totally depends on what specific improvements you’re looking for and what sound characteristics are most important to you.  What amp are you using now, what’s your budget, and are you looking for new or used?  No amp is a good buy if it doesn’t deliver the sound/improvements you’re looking for. 

Good qualifier to the question. To answer:

I originally had a GFA1*, which as it aged, hit that point that the sound quality went sideways.  I replaced it with a PS Audio Two C, which is a good sounding amp, however it does not have enough power and find it lacking, when pushed at high volume levels or with significant base. I listen to rock/easy listening, classical and Gregorian chants - so somewhat varied. 

By good sounding to me: meaning it does not color the music and allows details and transparency to show at reasonable to louder sound levels.  

So, need more power that will drive a somewhat efficient speaker (90db).

Also, the current price point of most better sounding equipment is outside of my budget.  The Khartago+ is a stretch, from a budget perspective, but the feedback I have seen indicates it is at a good price for the performance it delivers.  It also has a good step up in output - wattage/current.

*before anybody diminishes the GFA-1, this one appears to have been something of a unicorn, as compared to the GFA-1A, which I also own, the GFA-1 sounds open, allows details to show and is much more transparent than any other GFA-1/GFA-1A I have listened to.

I"m happy with mine. I have a pair of monos and a Candela pre amp running a variety of larger speakers in my second system and have a stereo Odyssey running a pair of 805D4 in my living room, they all sound and work great. 

Absolutely! My Khartagos drive a pair of Aerials which require huge current for power and control. They replaced an Aragon 4004 MkII, another great amp, but it had intermittency issues with one of its channels (and was used in a much larger room).

Klaus discusses your needs, and together you come up with a product to satisfy your requirements. Perfect? Nope. Really high performance per buck? Totally!

Good luck on your hunt!