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BAT VK-200 or Odyssey Stratos for Magiess 1.6s?

I have narrowed my choices to these two. VK-200 is a bit higher price (used) compared to Stratos new with cap upgrade.
Both have rave reviews. (my ideal choice would be BAT VK-60, but can't afford it yet.)

Set warrantee issue aside. What would be a better choice for my system, in term of sound quality?

My system are
Maggies 1.6 (upgraded cross over) with Julian Zu cables (bi-wiring)
AES AE-3 (tube rectifier) pre-amp (used with Oxyfuel Zu Cables)
Cal Ikon 2 CD player (to be upgraded to Cary 308 soon).

I usually listen to a lot of female vocal, plus some Jazz, Classical, and general (anything, but heavy metal and rap)

I don't have a sepecific room size yet as I will get a house next year and hopefully the listening room size would be standard size. For now I will use it temporarily in 13'x17' room. I do not listen to very loud music.

I would love to see alternatives as well.

Thanks a lot

Ake
ake

Showing 1 response by stehno

stehno
1,453 posts
 
Odyssey Stratos. Based everything I've read and heard from those who own them or reviewed them. IAR (International Audio Review) rated this about 2nd best in 1998 of all solid state amps reviewed. The list included the likes of ML 33H, Krell fpb300, SimAudio Moon W-5, BAT VK-200 and vk-500 and a host of others.

I don't think it's wise to put much stock in reviewers and their product reviews but I do believe that Peter Moncrief of IAR is a definite cut above the rest and really knows his stuff. Nevertheless, I do not believe you will find one bad professional or consumer review anywhere regarding the Stratos.

I've never listened to the Stratos but they do come with a 30 day satisfaction guaranteed or your money back so the risk is minimal.

-IMO
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